Below I have listed a few of the most common seen in our office.

Tension  Headaches – these are the most common and often known as stress headaches.  The pain usually feels as if a band were around the head and forehead.  Typically they start about midday and gradually increase as the day progresses.  These type headaches can occur once or twice a month or they can be on an almost daily basis.  Posture and alignment issues can greatly affect these headaches.

Cervicogenic Headaches – headaches that originate in the neck and are usually one sided.  The pain increases with movement of the neck and you can experience tight and tender muscles at the upper part of your neck and shoulders.  These respond excellent to chiropractic care.  
Cluster Headaches – as the name suggests, these headaches tend to happened several times a day and almost always on the same side.  The pain is an intense stabbing or burning sensation behind the eye. They can occur for a few weeks or months, followed by periods without any headaches.  They tend to affect middle aged men with history of heavy drinking and smoking. 


Typically occur in four phases which are prodrome, aura, attack, and postdromal.
Phase 1. Prodrome - These are the early warning signs such as increased tiredness and yawning, increased urination, increased irritability and increased thirst. During this phase it is important to stay hydrated and rest in an area without a lot of lights.
Phase 2. Aura - Changes in vision is common. You may see objects or spots in the corner of your eye.   With a visual disturbance, you may experience a “pins and needles” feeling and sometimes even numbness. Concentration is disturbed and you can even have difficulty speaking.
Phase 3. Attack - The pain can start around the eyes and usually on one side of the head, either in the temporal area or forehead.  The pain can be dull and throbbing often causing nausea and in severe cases vomiting.  Excess movement or anything that increases your heart rate will increase the pain.
Phase 4. Postdromal - after the attack phase most sufferers will feel wiped out, sluggish, a sense of confusion and head pain when bending over. Not every attack includes all of these phases and some cases are a lot worse than others, but the key is trying to recognize when an attack is about to happen and take the steps to try and get relief before any other phases kick in, and kick you. Below is a list with the differences between common and classic migraines.
·   Typically has prodromal aura and followed by postdromal phase
·   One sided with a beating or pulsating feeling
·   Can last 1-2 days
·   The prodromal aura is absent
·   Usually intense and can be one sided or both
·   Pain is located in the front of the head and sides especially behind the eyes
·   Can last over a day
     Migraines occur more often in females.  Symptoms typically are triggered during puberty, menopause, menstruation and while on birth control pills.  Food sensitivity and smells can also trigger an attack.
The more you know about the phases and triggers the quicker you can react to prevent additional phases or a full blown attack to take place.




     Since chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, the appropriate technique or techniques will be utilized to restore proper function and reduce inflammation.  The vertebrae in the neck and upper back may be adjusted to realign and reduce the cause of the problem or help relieve pressure around the problem.  Physiotherapy, (such as ice/heat, electric stim, ultrasound and laser therapy), can aid in pain relief and decrease inflammation.  Nutritional advice also helps 

     Our office is located in Oakwood, GA.  We also serve Gainesville, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.