Headaches

The National Headache Foundation reports that more than 45 million Americans suffer from headaches, and of these, 28 million suffer from migraines. For some, it’s an inconvenience in their day. For others, it’s an issue that can drain energy and make it nearly impossible to focus on the day.

Tindle & Associates can work with patients to determine what’s causing their headaches and help determine the best course of action to help them feel better in no time.
What causes headaches?

Headaches can occur for a variety of reasons such as a blow to the head, an illness, cold, fever, or infection. Other reasons include inflammation of the throat, an ear infection, or sinus infection. Finally, headaches can be caused by outside factors in the environment, like second-hand tobacco smoke, odors from strong perfumes or chemicals, lighting, weather changes, etc.

What are the different types of headaches?

There are several different types of headaches in more than 100 categories. Here are some of the most common types:

Tension headaches – A tension headache is the most common type among adults, teenagers, and children. They cause mild to moderate pain, and can occur for a prolonged period of time. These can be caused from a variety of things, including stressful issues, changes in sleep patterns, skipping meals, excessive medication use, and more.

Migraine headaches – The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but doctors do know they’re related to changes in the brain like blood vessel contractions, as well as inherited abnormalities. Migraines can last anywhere from four to 72 hours, and include other symptoms like nausea and vomiting, an upset stomach, abdominal pain, sensitivity to light, and loss of appetite.

Mixed headaches – These are a combination of tension headaches and migraines, and are common in both adults and children.

Sinus headaches – This type of headache causes a deep pain in the forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose. The pain usually occurs in association with other sinus symptoms, including a congested nose and facial swelling.

Cluster headaches – These are the least common, but most severe type of headaches that cause a burning or piercing sensation that occurs behind the eye. Individuals who experience this type of headache will often walk around the room during an attack, as it’s nearly impossible to sit still. Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day and can last anywhere from two weeks to three months. Those who have cluster headaches can go into remission for months or years.

How does Tindle & Associates treat headaches? Our patients receive hands-on manual therapy designed to alleviate the immediate headache and restore health to the structures that are causing the headaches. Patients are taught skills they can use in their day-to-day life such as using hot and cold temperatures on various areas of their body to control pain. They are also taught how to recognize the onset of a headache pattern early enough to effectively intervene with self-management techniques. This empowers the headache sufferer to often stop the process without professional help or the use of medications.

Keeping Headaches at Bay in Austin, Texas
After receiving care for headaches, you can find many activities to stay relaxed in Austin. Whether you are just visiting or a resident “Austinite,” you can find places to go and things to see in Austin every day of the week.  As the state capitol of Texas, it is rich in history and a hub for the art scene.  Bike enthusiast or not, there’s no denying the naturally scenic landscape makes Austin ideal for accommodating many outdoor activities.  Strolling around award-winning parks, picnicking at Lady Bird Lake, and exploring the nightlife on Sixth Street are not to be missed.  And thanks to creative types attending the University of Texas, art and music events keep Austin’s calendar full of opportunities to experience the “Live Music Capitol of the World.”