Health Made Easy

Is Your Back Pain Caused By a Spinal Disc Issue? –Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

There are several reasons why your back pain may be a result of a spinal disc issue. It is estimated that about 80 percent of people will, at one point in their life, experience back pain. Back pain can not only be very painful but it can restrict the movement of the lower back and eventually the rest of the spine.

You can visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC, for effective diagnosis and treatment of back pain.

Individuals with back pain may find it difficult to bend or lift objects. Several factors can cause back pain of which spinal disc problem is just one of them.

Research has shown that spinal disc pain is prevalent among people with lower back issues in about 40% of reported cases. The spinal or intervertebral disc is often referred to as pain generators by medical experts.  Pain generators may be regarded as those places in the human body where there could be abnormal physiological activities that can trigger pain.

There are differences in the intervertebral disc that may cause back pain. They include the following:

• Disc injury

As a result of spinal disc injury due to an annular tear or a herniated disc problem, pain in the lower back may be experienced. A herniated disc is said to occur as a result of bulging or breaking of the soft jelly-like substance in the disc.

When this jelly-like substance, also known as the nucleus pulposus, breaks out and comes in contact with any of the spinal nerve roots, you tend to feel pain, especially around the lower back region.

You can visit our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC, to get proper non-surgical treatment of herniated disc issues leading to back pain.

This may occur when you lift heavy objects while using a rounded spine.  What this means is that when you try to lift objects without bending your knees, it may result in disc herniation leading to back pain. Spinal disc injury leading to back pain can occur even in young adults around 18 to 35 years when the disc water content is still high.

• Disc Disruption

According to studies, Disc disruption is another type of abnormal physiological activity that may lead to back pain. It is often referred to as internal disc disruption. IDD is different from degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs due to wear and tear, while internal disc disruption is a result of internal changes that causes regeneration of the jelly-like nucleus pulposus located in the center of the disc.

The forward and backward spinal movement also referred to as flexion and extension, are internal changes in the spinal disc that can cause you to have back pain according to studies.

                         Treatment of back pain associated with a spinal disc problem

To treat back pain associated with the spinal disc, Chiropractors make use of hands-on techniques such as spinal adjustments. Spinal reconditioning and Strengthening exercises are also recommended as part of the recovery process from back pain.

Back pain caused by spinal disc issues can be treated with the help of a competent Chiropractor. You can visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC, for effective treatment of back pain as a result of spinal disc issues.

6 Reasons Why Sports Chiropractic is The Secret of Top Performance– Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

Chiropractic sports medicine or Chiropractic sports is a subspecialty in the Chiropractic healing field. Sports Chiropractic treatment involves the care and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries for athletes. It also involves giving out professional advice on issues bothering on performance, treatment of injury as a result of participation in sports and most importantly treatment to ensure continued top performance.

Sports Chiropractic is an athlete's secret weapon to ensure top performance. Sports chiropractors have a vast knowledge of sports-related injuries and sports in general. They are qualified to carry out the diagnosis and treatment of an athlete's sporting injury without the use of drugs. Chiropractic care is a hands-on approach and you can get the best care by visiting Dr. Jason James at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

Sports Chiropractic has benefited athletes in so many ways. Professional athletes have gained tremendously from sports Chiropractic treatment. Sports Chiropractic helps athletes to recover from injuries without undergoing surgery or taking drugs. Outlined below are the benefits of sports Chiropractic to help athletes improve their overall performance.

Benefits of sports Chiropractic to improving athletic performance

Create relief from the impact of strenuous exercise:  Athletes subject themselves to strenuous exercise and often have to undergo the torture of body or muscle pain. Sports Chiropractic care can help an athlete to overcome pain through proper hands-on therapy.

According to research, athletic performance is greatly hindered when they are overstressed or subjected to high-intensity exercise without having enough recovery time. A Chiropractor advises athletes on the appropriate training schedule to ensure top performance.

Chiropractors can treat various sport-related injuries:  Sports Chiropractic reduces the risks of injury for athletes. An athlete can also recover faster from injuries and get back in top shape. Muscle relaxation is enhanced, and it also promotes proper blood circulation for athletes through sports Chiropractic treatment which you can get by contacting Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

Sports Chiropractic is drug-free and non-invasive:  If given an option, most athletes may choose not to take medications because of the side effect of some drugs. Sports Chiropractic therapeutic procedure helps athletes to get back to action immediately after undergoing treatment. Invasive treatment methods, such as surgery or medications, may take a longer time for an athlete to recover.

Sports Chiropractic enhances sporting performance and prevents injuries:  Research shows that Chiropractic treatment helps improves sporting performance and reduces the risk of injuries. Sports Chiropractic program also includes injury prevention routines which are another way to improve sporting performance.

It helps in pain reduction and increases strength:  Sports Chiropractic care pays special attention to spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation helps to reduce pain. It also increases athletic strength. By increasing the strength of athletes, sports Chiropractic treatment helps to increase sporting performance.

Sports Chiropractic treatment helps to ease relaxation:  With proper Chiropractic care to remove nerve irritation, athletes can feel a sense of relaxation in their muscles and joints. Removing nerve irritation causes relaxation which helps to relieve tension, which in turn reduces stress/anxiety and improves athletic performance.

Conclusion

Athletes stand a lot to benefit from sports Chiropractic treatment. They may be able to perform optimally after undergoing treatment from a professional Chiropractor. Sports Chiropractic provides quick recovery from burnout or injuries. It helps athletes avoid taking certain medications, which may have adverse side effects and affect their general performance. You can get proper treatment for your sports related injury by contacting Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

7 Ways to Staying healthy by keeping fit– Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

The little things that you do every day determine your state of wellness or general health. Several factors influence how fit and healthy you can be. It often revolves around your lifestyle. You may use this article as a guide as you embark on a journey to good health and physical fitness. You can also visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC so we can help you in your quest to stay healthy and keep fit.

Tips for keeping fit and staying healthy

Stop your bad habits:  By cutting back or completely stopping those habits that negatively affect your life, you may be able to improve your health state. Bad habits such as excessive drinking, drugs, smoking, and other forms of harmful activities should be stopped if you are seeking to have a healthy lifestyle.

Some habits may not be too bad, but they may pose a problem when you overindulge in them. These habits include eating junk food, taking caffeine, sugar, etc.

Go for regular check-ups:  Keeping fit does not mean carrying out routine exercises alone; it also involves caring for your body. You may consider visiting your doctor for regular check-ups to make sure that you have no form of health challenges. You can even carry out various personal self-examinations.

A routine examination helps you detect any abnormality so that early action can be taken. For physical examination and treatment of musculoskeletal issues, visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

Get enough sleep:  According to research, sleep has a significant effect on your mental and physical health. Lack of sleep affects your concentration, motor skills, stress hormones, mood, cardiovascular health, immune system, and metabolism. Sleep helps your body to heal and repair itself.

Exercise regularly:  Whether you go out for a few minutes' walks weekly or you are involved in high-intensity exercise routines, the result is that you are keeping fit and staying healthy. According to research, engaging in cardiovascular exercises promotes lung and heart strength. Strength training enhances muscle strength while stretching reduces injury risk and increases flexibility.

Eat healthy:  It is advisable to eat vegetables and fresh fruit as a good place to start. Ensure that these foods form most of your diet. You may also eat lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and clean red meat. Avoid overeating, but make sure you eat a balanced diet. Give yourself the room to digest your food and avoid eating until you are full. Avoid foods that are highly processed with hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Drink enough water:  Your body is composed mainly of water. Clean and fresh water remain the best beverage for ensuring a healthy and hydrated system. Water is regarded as a natural cleanser for your digestive system and other body organs.  Staying hydrated helps your body to flush out some toxins through urination and perspiration.

Do not bottle up emotions:  Bottling up your feelings may lead to emotional and mental stress. Such suppressed feelings may even cause sleep problems, depression, physical pain, and eating disorders. Find a way to talk to someone about how you are feeling and learn to be more expressive of your feelings. You can choose to do this either by writing down your thoughts or speaking to someone about it.

Conclusion:  To stay healthy by keeping fit, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure you are consistent at it. It is a choice that you can make. Make that choice today to stay healthy and do your best to avoid relapsing. Set attainable health goals for yourself. Get in contact with Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC for effective Chiropractic treatment that would ensure you stay fit and healthy.

Getting Older Doesn’t Mean Slowing Down - 7 steps the elderly can do to keep moving– Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

As you grow older in life, there are a series of positive and negative changes that occur in the body. Aging can be enjoyed if you take the right steps to keep your body healthy and maintain good health.  The time to start is NOW!

Many changes occur in the body as you grow older. Your brain, skin, and bones behave differently. You should not be surprised when you notice these changes. Instead, you can be prepared for aging without worrying about slowing down. Visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC, to help you age gracefully by giving you the best chance for success possible.

Steps the elderly can take to keep moving include the following:

Live an active life:  According to research, Involving in regular exercise helps promote mental and physical health even while aging. Exercising regularly may also help prevent some chronic medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, depression, heart diseases, etc.

Eat healthy:  It is advisable to avoid highly processed and sweet foods. You have to follow your doctor's advice regarding your dietary needs as you grow older. Avoiding packaged foods and opting for fresh foods as that may help you avoid negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Most pre-packaged foods are full of chemicals and other ingredients that take away from your health.

Maintain the functionality of your brain:  Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline are not normal parts of the aging process. According to research, having a cognitive stimulation lifestyle by participating in active learning and physical activity helps in slowing the cognitive decline process. You always have to challenge your mind through learning and moving. It may be through learning a new language, taking dance lessons, or learning to play a new instrument.

Build relationships:  Older adults often live alone. Living alone leads to loneliness. Changes in the life of older adults such as health issues, loss of a partner, retirement may cause social isolation. It is, therefore, essential to maintain constant communication with family and friends. It’s good to be around people, especially loved ones, to reduce loneliness.

Ensure you have enough sleep:  It is easier to live longer without food than without sleep. As you grow older, you have to give yourself more rest through sound sleep. Inadequate sleep may cause memory problems, irritability, and depression. Try to develop a bedtime routine. Avoid taking caffeine late at night.

Try to reduce your stress:  As you grow older, your ability to handle stress reduces due to changes in your stressors. You may experience brain cell damage when exposed to long-term stress. Stress may lead to fatigue, memory loss, and slow recovery from infection. Exercise regularly and ensure you get enough rest. Take care of yourself and use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, prayer, journaling, circular breathing or visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC for stress reduction treatment.

Be in charge of your health:  Your actions as an individual contribute significantly to your health more than the health care system. You have way more control over your health than you can imagine. Avoid lifestyles like smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol, inactivity, etc.

Conclusion:  It is possible to age without rapidly slowing down. Take care of your physical and emotional health. You can enjoy the rewards of aging by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Changes to your body are part of the natural aging process. It is beautiful to age and is even more beautiful to age gracefully. We recommend that you visit Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC for hands-on treatment to keep you going strong even while aging.

Moving Your Body Towards Better Health – 5 simple, practical ways to get more movement in your day– Dr. Jason Jones Elizabeth City NC Chiropractor

Modernization of society can be a blessing or a curse. There has been an upgrade virtually every facet of our lives. From high tech machines in factories to simple household appliances, which has made life easier and seemingly stress-free…or has it?  But with these immense benefits of modernization comes the downside. Your opportunity to attain a physically active state throughout the day may be hampered. According to research, lack of physical activity may lead to weight gain and other chronic diseases. For proper advice on how to stay physically healthy, contact Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC

You may be able to maintain a part of good health and a healthy weight by regularly engaging in physical activities. The more calories you tend to burn is dependent on how much you use your muscles and body, which boils down to how much you move. Being in a sedentary state for a very long period can negatively affect your health. Sitting for long hours generates a series of harmful health outcomes.

No matter how small the level of physical activity, it can create positive health benefits. Carrying out regular exercises may be an effective way of promoting sound health and increase physical activity. However, it may be difficult to make out time for lengthy exercise routines daily or go for a workout at the gym. Still, it is possible to engage in physical activity for brief periods throughout your day. Here are simple but practical ways to get more movement in your day.

Engage in physical activity while commuting to work every day:  Depending on your location or local government laws guiding the mode of transport in most communities. Some communities have bike lanes or walkways to promote walking or cycling. Cycling or walking to work may be time-consuming and requires planning, but they are useful in burning calories. Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC is ready to walk you through the basics of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Carry out your errands at work or home by walking or cycling when you have the chance:  Most people will prefer to use the elevator at all times, even if they are going to the first floor. You can use the stairs sometimes instead of using the elevator. When you want to go to a nearby grocery store, you can choose to walk or ride on a bike instead of driving down to the store. These simple activities play a significant role in promoting good health conditions.

Make use of a standing desk in your workplace or create time for standing breaks:  Some companies provide their employees with a stand-up desk because they gradually understand the negative effect of sitting for too long. Stand-up desks allow you to be more physically active because you use more muscles while standing. If it’s not possible to have standing desks, then you should endeavor to take regular standing breaks to burn calories.

Do not use your coffee break for sitting:  You can choose to take a walk instead of just sitting in the coffee shop. You can even take a stroll with a colleague to a nearby coffee shop so you can engage in some physical movement.

Park your vehicle some distance away from where you are going:  When you park your car a little bit farther from your destination, it gives you more opportunities to be physically active while walking across the parking area to your destination.

Conclusion:  According to research, whatever you do, that helps to increase the oxygen demand in your body contributes to your physical activity. Using the stairs or parking your vehicle a little far from your destination may not seem quite a difference. Still, little forms of physical activity can help to burn calories and improve your overall wellbeing. For proper treatment of joint, muscle or body pain, contact Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

For you to be able to think correctly, process emotions, make decisions, and properly carry out your daily activities; you must maintain a healthy lifestyle and treat any form of headaches that may cause discomfort to you.

Headaches may cause a lot of discomfort for you. It may be accompanied by throbbing and intense pain on the side, top, or front of the head. In some cases, people with severe headaches may show symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stiffness, or numbness in the back of the neck or on the head.

There are different types of headaches, depending on their causes. Headaches may be categorized as primary or secondary. Primary headaches are often stand-alone headaches with no underlying medical condition. They may be caused by stress, dehydration, poor posture, inadequate sleep, etc. examples of primary headaches include tension, migraines, cluster headaches, etc.

Secondary headaches may be caused by several medical health conditions such as spinal misalignment, neck pressure, glaucoma, brain tumor, etc.

Chiropractic treatment for headaches

Chiropractors are well trained and experienced professionals who treat many forms of musculoskeletal issues affecting the nerves, muscles, spine, spinal discs, ligaments, or joints. With different types of spinal adjustments, Chiropractors can ensure that your muscles, spine, and other body tissues are relaxed.

According to World Health Organization guidelines, Chiropractors can diagnose, assess, and manage headaches. Chiropractic has been shown to be a very effective treatment for tension and cervicogenic headaches.  Studies have shown that Chiropractic care can help to decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines. 

Chiropractic strategies for treating headaches include:

Spinal  manipulation therapy (adjustments)

According to the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), spinal manipulation is carried out to relieve pressure on muscles or joints.  Spinal manipulation therapy is also aimed at reducing inflammation, which may be effective in treating headaches and other related health conditions.

Lifestyle changes

Chiropractors offer professional advice to their patients on how they can adjust their lifestyles to help reduce symptoms of headaches. Some Chiropractors also offer nutritional advice and educate their patients on the need to avoid certain foods that be detrimental to your health and trigger pain-sensitive nerves. They may also advise you to take adequate rest and stay hydrated.

Soft tissue therapy

Soft tissue therapy involves the treatment and management of injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Soft tissue therapy involves manual stretching, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Soft tissue therapy also involves massaging of soft tissues to help reduce symptoms of headaches and other health conditions.

Other recommended Chiropractic treatment methods for headaches include:

*Spinal Rehabilitation & Posture Correction    *Soft tissue therapy   *Electrical stimulation

*Co-management and Referral    * Low-level laser therapy

The use of Chiropractic care for treating headaches has gained wide approval and it is recommended by top healthcare organizations like the World Health Organization and other prominent organizations.  You can consult Dr. Jason Jones today at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City NC, and we will give you our best to help you alleviate your headache.

Many people deal with headaches daily. Symptoms of headaches may range from being uncomfortable to downright unbearable. Headaches may disrupt your daily activities if symptoms persist for more extended periods.

There are different types of headaches, with tension headache being the most common. Other headaches such as migraine or cluster headaches may present symptoms which could be severe or mild.

Medications are often the go-to for relieving headaches, but we shall consider natural remedies that can help in relieving symptoms and the causes of headaches. These natural remedies are what we promote at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City, NC.

The natural remedies include the following:

Stay Hydrated

Headaches may occur as a result of inadequate hydration. Migraines and tension headaches are often caused by chronic dehydration.  It is essential that stay hydrated by drinking enough water.  Research has shown that drinking water within 30 minutes to 3 hours may help relieve symptoms of headaches for those who are dehydrated. It is advisable to eat water-rich foods.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Most people may not develop headaches after drinking alcohol. Still, studies have shown that the consumption of alcohol is responsible for head-aches in about one-third of persons with frequent migraines.  Alcohol is a vasodilator which allows the free flow of blood by widening blood vessels. Vasodilators are also known to have a headache as a side effect.

Intake of Magnesium

Magnesium provides several functions in the body. It helps in controlling blood sugar and nerve transmission. It is also helpful in relieving headaches. According to research, people with magnesium deficiency are known to show symptoms of migraine headaches than those with sufficient magnesium. Diet rich in magnesium is advisable for people with frequent headaches.

Get Enough Sleep

Inadequate sleep may be harmful to your health and may also result in headaches for some persons. Getting too much sleep may also trigger headaches. It is, however, essential to get adequate sleep, which may be between 8 to 9 hours at night.

Make use of essential Oils

Essential oils have been known to have immense therapeutic benefits, including providing relief from headaches. They are concentrated liquids that can be gotten from different varieties of plants.  Essential oils such as lavender and peppermint oil may help provide symptomatic relief from headaches.

Avoid foods with high Histamine content

Histamine promotes the function of the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. However, high histamine production may cause migraines in some persons with histamine sensitivity.  Foods such as smoked fish, beer, fermented foods, cured meats, and aged cheese have high histamine content.

Cold Compression Therapy                                                               

By applying ice to the head or neck area, you may help to reduce the symptoms of migraine. You can fill a water bottle  with ice and then wrap it using a soft towel. Apply it on your temples, back of your neck or head to relieve headache.

Relax with Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a perfect way to decrease pain, relieve stress, increase flexibility, and improve your overall health condition. Chiropractic has been shown time and time again to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Ginger Tea

Ginger root is known to contain several beneficial compounds such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. Ginger helps to reduce symptoms of severe headaches such as vomiting and nausea.

You can consult our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City NC, to see if we can help you get relief from your headache without taking any medication.

Whenever you are ready for us to help you, here is the 3 best ways we can help:

1.Listen to our podcast HERE:  http://healthyfamiliesmadeeasy.libsyn.com/

2.If you have a specific question you can reach us HERE: https://bit.ly/2CWwLIs

3.Make an appointment with our office by calling 252-335-2225

Cheers,

Dr. Jason B. Jones

706 W. Ehringhaus Street

Elizabeth City, NC 27909

252-335-2225

Headaches are a common form of medical complaints. According to the world health organization (WHO), most people are likely to experience headaches at one point or the other in a given year.  The average person will have 1-2 headaches per year, anything beyond this is certainly not normal. 

There are many different types of headaches, and their causes and symptoms may differ. However, most headaches are short-lived. They may be as a result of less severe health conditions while some headaches may be symptoms of health conditions that may be quite serious, which may require urgent medical attention.

However, note that you can get the best natural treatment for various headaches at our Chiropractic Office in Elizabeth City NC.

Headaches may be divided into two categories, depending on their underlying causes. The two broad categories of headaches include:

Primary Headaches & Secondary Headaches

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are those forms of headaches that are not caused by another health condition. These forms of headaches are often referred to as stand-alone headaches because they are the health condition and not as a result of any other condition. Primary headaches are further divided into two different types depending on their causes.

Types of primary headaches

Migraines

Migraine is often accompanied by a disturbance in vision such as seeing spots, etc. A throbbing pain is usually felt on one side of the head, which may be very intense. A person with migraine may experience high sensitivity to light. Other symptoms may include numbness, partial loss of vision, speaking difficulty, muscle weakness, etc.

Tension

Tension headaches are a prevalent type of primary headache. People with tension headaches may experience constant and dull pain on both sides of their heads. It is accompanied by a feeling of tenderness in the head, shoulders, neck, and face. Other symptoms of a tension headache may include sensitivity to light and sound and pressure behind the eyes.

Tension headaches may last between 30 minutes to several hours and may not prevent you from carrying out normal activities.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is often characterized by a painful and burning sensation behind the eye. They may be very severe and may include symptoms such as the swollen eyelid, watery eye, runny or blocked nose, light sensitivity, and agitation or restlessness.  The frequency is often very random.

Other types of primary headaches include:  Exertional Headaches & Hypnic (aka alarm clock headache) Headaches

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are forms of headaches, which may be as a result of another medical condition such as sudden caffeine withdrawal, a head injury, etc.

Types of secondary headaches

Medication overuse Headaches (MOH)

Medication overuse headaches may occur as a result of the overuse of certain medications such as opioids, acetaminophen, triptans, etc.  MOH’s are also known as rebound headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches lead to swelling of the sinuses, which may occur as a result of allergy or an infection.

Caffeine Related Headaches

Caffeine Related Headaches may occur as a result of the heavy consumption of Caffeine. For some consuming around four cups of coffee or over 400 milligrams of coffee may often lead to headaches.

Head injury Headaches

Blows to the neck or minor bumps are common causes of head injury headaches, which may be less severe.  However, there may be more severe head injuries with symptoms such as seizures, vomiting, memory loss, etc. which may require urgent medical attention.  When no life-threatening situation is present after a head trauma make sure your neck is properly evaluated by a Chiropractor. 

Other types of secondary headaches include:  Menstrual Headaches & Hangover Headaches

You can get a natural treatment for any of these headaches by consulting our Chiropractic Office at Elizabeth City NC. We are happy to help you!

Whenever you are ready for us to help you, here is the 3 best ways we can help:

1. Listen to our podcast HERE: http://healthyfamiliesmadeeasy.libsyn.com/
2. If you have a specific question you can reach us HERE: https://bit.ly/2CWwLIs
3. Make an appointment with our office by calling 252-335-2225

Cheers,

Dr. Jason B. Jones

706 W. Ehringhaus Street

Elizabeth City, NC 27909

252-335-2225

The pain felt when you have a headache may be difficult to describe. However, headaches are often accompanied by typical symptoms such as numbness, blurred vision, throbbing and intense pain, nausea, etc.

Headaches may be felt on one or both sides of the head. In some cases, a person may experience severe pain at the back of the neck or around the eye and possibly at the top of the head. That’s why at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, we help you identify your type of headache and apply specific strategies and techniques to help lessen or get rid of your headaches.

Headaches are classified into two broad categories based on the underlying cause. The two broad classifications of headaches are:

Primary Headache & Secondary Headache

Causes of Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are those forms of headaches that do not exist as a result of other health conditions. However, primary headaches may occur as a result of overactivity of pain-sensitive structures in the head.

Factors that influence or trigger chemical activity in the brain skull, head and neck muscles, blood vessels, or nerves may cause a primary headache. Common types of primary headaches include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

Lifestyle factors including the following can trigger some primary headaches:

Alcohol

Excessive intake of alcohol may cause a hangover, which may lead to dilation of blood vessels and may cause migraines.

Lack of sleep

Sleep helps the nervous system and eventually the muscles to relax and help you recover from stress. However, inadequate sleep may trigger the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that may cause your nervous system to go into fight or flight leading to tension, discomfort and eventually a headache.

Poor posture

Sometimes when you sleep wrong, look down at your phone too much, sit looking at a computer all day, possibly from old traumas and injuries, or staying in a particular position for too long may also cause a headache.  You may wake up with throbbing pain in your head or the back of your neck.  

Stress

Stress is one of the most common causes of primary headaches. When the body is overstressed, you may experience nervous system & muscle weakness and pain in the head.

Skipped meal

Your body needs food as a source of fuel and energy. When you skip a meal or forget to eat, you may experience a slight headache accompanied by a pounding in the head.

Causes of Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches occur as a result of an underlying medical condition that may activate pain-sensitive nerves in the head. The following are likely causes of secondary headaches:

Concussion

Concussion refers to a traumatic injury to the brain, which may affect the functionality of the brain. Severe headache is a likely effect of concussion.

Dental Problem

Infections and simple cavities may trigger a headache. Dental headaches may also be caused by muscle strain which builds up in the jaw and mouth.

Spinal Misalignment

Spinal misalignment may cause headaches by irritating, spinal nerves that travel to the face and head region.  This is one of the most common causes of a headache.  Research shows that nearly all headaches have a spinal misalignment of one or more the neck bones.  This condition is called a spinal subluxation which is associated with headaches and many other ailments. 

Carbon monoxide poising

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are severe headaches, which may be accompanied by nausea and fatigue.  Make sure you have a detector in your home. 

Acute sinusitis

Sinusitis may occur as a result of a cold, fungal infection, or a viral upper respiratory infection. Headaches decreased the sense of smell, and pain in the cheek or upper teeth are common symptoms of acute sinusitis.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is caused by the overproduction of eye fluid or improperly drained eye fluid. Glaucoma may lead to an increase in pressure within the eye, which may also cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Other common causes of secondary headaches include:

Arterial tears

Brain tumor

Dehydration

Ear infection

High blood pressure

Meningitis

Influenza

You can always consult me (Dr. Jason Jones), an experienced Chiropractor for more information on causes of headaches and how to treat it effectively using natural measures.