Headaches are a prevalent condition affecting the patients we meet at our clinic in Kanata. They can vary in intensity, frequency, and underlying cause, significantly impacting daily life and overall well-being.

While occasional headaches may be a minor inconvenience, frequent or severe headaches necessitate proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent chronic issues and improve quality of life.

Common Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are often linked to muscle tension, stress, and poor posture. They can also result from prolonged periods of working at a computer or other activities that strain the neck and scalp muscles.

Tension headaches typically present as a dull, aching pain around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. It's often described as a tight band squeezing the head, with mild to moderate pain.

Example: An office worker experiencing tension headaches after long hours at a desk and a stressful day at work.

Migraines

The exact cause of migraines is unclear but is believed to involve genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Triggers can include certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, and sensory stimuli.

Migraines manifest as intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to several days.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches arise from issues in the cervical spine (neck region) such as cervical arthritis, disc problems, or neck injuries. The pain is referred to the head from the neck.

These headaches usually produce steady, non-throbbing pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the front of the head. It may be accompanied by restricted neck movement and tenderness.

Other Serious Causes

Headaches can also be the result of rare but critical conditions such as brain tumors, aneurysms, or infections that require immediate medical attention. We always screen for medically-worrisome causes of headaches before beginning any treatment.

Effective Treatment:

We always start with a thorough assessment by our chiropractor, physiotherapist, or registered massage therapist. Our team has years of experience helping with all types of headaches.

• We take time to listen: We want to understand you and gather information on your headache patterns, triggers, lifestyle, and any related medical conditions.

• We perform a thorough evaluation: We’ll assess your neck, head, and posture, along with your nerves to identify potential contributing factors.

• We can refer for additional testing when required: Referring for appropriate tests such as imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scan) or blood tests if necessary to rule out underlying conditions.

This comprehensive evaluation helps us accurately diagnose the type and cause of your headaches, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Any member of our team is capable of performing an assessment and providing treatment for headaches.

Our goal is to relieve your pain, address underlying issues, and improve your overall quality of life.