Headache is a pain in the head with the pain being above the eyes or the ears, behind the head (occipital), or in the back of the upper neck. Headache, like chest pain or back ache, has many causes.

Headaches vary widely in symptoms, intensity, and location of pain. They may include sensitivity to light, nausea, shooting or radiating pain, or a dull, persistent ache. Nine out of 10 people suffer from headaches. Whether they occur once every few months or once every few days, they can be painful and even debilitating.

Headaches can be divided into two main categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches.

Primary headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Primary headache pain is not caused by some other physical problem, such as a tumor or other pathology.

Secondary headaches are typically a symptom of pressure on nerve endings, or another health problem such as fever, infection, tumor, pathology or other disease process.

Migraines often are brought on by triggers: sights, smells, and sounds. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but it is believed they are caused by genetic and environmental factors. Changes in the brainstem and how the brainstem interacts with the trigeminal nerve may be related to frequent migraines. Imbalanced brain chemicals may be involved. When you're having a migraine, your serotonin levels decrease. Decreased serotonin levels are believed to signal the trigeminal nerve to release neuropeptides, which travel to the brain's casing, the meninges, causing headache pain.

People have their own sets of triggers than can potentially cause headaches, but common triggers include:

• Alcohol
• Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty or menstrual cycles
• Stress
• Allergies
• Smell or taste of certain foods
• Loud noises

At Plato Chiropractic Health Clinics, we treat many patients seeking relief from primary headaches, and the symptoms associated with them. Patients who seek treatment often find relief of their headache pain, muscle spasms, nerve pressure, and restricted neck mobility.

Chiropractic treatment for headaches can provide short-term and long-term relief. Restoring proper biomechanics of the neck, shoulder muscles, and joints can reduce tension, which in turn may relieve many primary headaches. Manipulation of the cervical spine, called an adjustment, restores spine and nervous system function to reduce pain, as well as help with spasm and restriction of the musculature in the neck. Once the musculature and nerve supply have been restored to proper function, and the headache pain is reduced, continuing treatment can prevent or reduce future headaches.

In addition to spinal adjustments, your chiropractor may recommend stretches, changes in posture, and ergonomic adjustments to your workspace – all of which can help alleviate pain from primary headaches.