The odd headache now and then is an unpleasant nuisance, but when you frequently get headaches or migraines, it can severely affect your quality of life. If you’re regularly experiencing headaches, Bill Sheppard, DC, of United Chiropractic and Medical in Katy, Texas, can help. Dr. Sheppard and his team combine chiropractic techniques and traditional medicine to reduce the frequency of your headaches and ensure you don’t suffer disabling pain. To benefit from the team’s expertise in treating headaches, call United Chiropractic and Medical today or book an appointment online.

Why do I keep getting headaches?

Headaches develop when nerves in your head send pain messages to your brain. Common causes of headaches include:

Injuries

A blow to the head is almost inevitably going to cause acute pain and give you a headache. Never take head injuries lightly — even if you feel OK, you might have a concussion.

Acute illness

Infections like colds, flu, sinusitis, and fevers are common causes of headaches. This is often because of inflammation in the soft tissues that results in a pressure buildup inside your skull.

Stress

Stress causes muscle tension, which in the neck and head is a frequent cause of headaches. 

Stress also makes your body release adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that prepare you for a fight-or-flight response to the source of your stress. Chronic stress results in these hormones continually flooding your body, which can trigger numerous problems, including headaches. 

Your environment

Exposure to chemicals, pollution, allergens, bright lighting, loud noise, and shifts in the barometric pressure that occur when the weather changes can all cause headaches.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a surprisingly common cause of headaches; even mild dehydration from not drinking enough fluids each day can cause chronic headaches and tiredness. 

Spinal misalignments

If the vertebrae or other tissues that make up your spine aren’t aligned correctly, it can lead to frequent or persistent headaches.

In addition to the known causes of headaches, there are many types for which the underlying cause isn’t clear. These include some of the most severe and disabling headaches, like migraines and cluster headaches.

Do I need treatment for my headaches?

If you only get headaches occasionally or know why you have a headache — for example, you’re coming down with a cold — they aren’t a cause for concern. Everyday headaches usually pass within a few hours.

Over-the-counter medications can ease headache pain quite successfully. You can also measure your water intake so you avoid dehydration and find ways to manage stress if these are causing your headaches.

If your headaches happen frequently or are more severe, you should visit United Chiropractic and Medical for an assessment.

What therapies can help with headaches?

Treatments that could be of benefit include:

  • Biofeedback and relaxation 
  • Acupuncture
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Meditation or yoga 
  • Electrical and magnetic pulse technologies 
  • Electrical stimulation (e-stim)
  • Massage therapy
  • DRX9000® spinal decompression

Your provider at United Chiropractic and Medical examines your spine and head to see if any misalignments could be triggering repeated headaches. They can use manual manipulation and special chiropractic tools to restore vertebral alignment, which should relieve your headaches.

If you’re experiencing repeated headaches, call United Chiropractic and Medical today or book an appointment online.