It is estimated that one in 20 adults experience a headache every day. So what is the solution? Headaches are the most common ailment and are often poorly managed by simply taking over-the-counter pain medicine. It has also been found that 99 percent of women and 93 percent of men are set to suffer from some type of headache in their lifetime. And while so many people suffer from headaches, the cause might not be all in your head.

Your Neck and Headaches

Your neck actually plays a role in the development of headaches. Neck involvement is underestimated when it comes to the cause and relief of headaches. Neck pain can actually be a component in migraines. By diagnosing and treating neck problems, it can often stop the pain. It has been found that the underlying disorder in migraines and other types of headaches might be due to a malfunctioning pain filter located in the brain stem, which can be desensitised.

Early diagnosis and management through proper treatment can significantly decrease the course of costly treatment and disability that is often associated with migraines and headaches. It is important to rule out any serious issues as causes of your headaches in North Scottsdale. Once this is complete, it will be important to seek proper treatment.

Tips for relief

Treatment that is aimed at restoring normal function of the joints in the upper neck will be key. It is also important to maintain good posture and retraction. Some improvement in your pain and discomfort will often be experienced within just a few weeks. Other tips for relief include:

  • Pull your head in. Sticking your chin out and neck forward when sitting or standing can weaken the joint function in the upper neck.
  • Move your head back horizontally. This keeps your chin vertical to the floor and not tilted.
  • Place your hand on your chin and push your head back further. Doing this helps relax your neck muscles.

Some preventive measures include sleeping, eating and exercising regularly. It is also important to drink plenty of water, limit caffeine and alcohol and reduce stress.

By understanding the cause of your headache in North Scottsdale, you can find a better treatment option for your pain. Contact Dr. Sara for more information on treatment options for headaches in North Scottsdale.