Headaches
Headaches Tamworth or Headaches Lichfield Staffordshire?
Atlas Tamworth Osteopaths treat headaches and the Staffordshire Pain Relief Clinic has helped many headache sufferers. Patients travel from Tamworth, Staffordshire, Atherstone, Polesworth, Kingsbury, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Swadlincote, Measham, Brownhills, Burton on Trent, Dordon and Cannock to receive treatment that is often stress related.
Headaches and migraines affect many people on a daily basis in some cases, but most people suffer a pattern of occasional headaches, either regular or intermittent.
The pain of such frequent headaches can have a strong negative impact on work, home life and general daily functioning
What Causes Headaches to Become Chronic?
It is not known exactly why headaches evolve into daily, frequent ones. Genetics are suspected to play a role so if you have a family member who suffers from frequent headaches, it is more likely that you will as well. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing these headaches are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Medication overuse
- Stimulant use, such as cigarettes, caffeine or excessive alcohol
- Sleep disorders
- Spine injury such as whiplash
- Any inflammatory disorders
- Nervous system conditions
- Infections
Treating Daily Persistent Headaches
Because these headaches are so persistent, as the name implies, they can be very challenging to treat. Some of the more common medications used are:
- Anti-depressants
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Anti-convulsants
- Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Muscle Relaxants
A concern with treating chronic persistent headaches via pharmaceutical means is the propensity to overuse medications, which in turn, can prolong headaches or increase the frequency of them. Consistent use of NSAIDS can also lead to stomach pain and other problems in the abdomen. Your doctor can discuss potential side effects with you and help you to find a daily regimen that minimizes such risks.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture or spinal manipulation by an osteopath as an alternative to chiropractors can be helpful treatments. Counselling or other similar therapies are also helpful for developing effective coping mechanisms. Therefore, despite not directly addressing head pain, they can still help you to function well with your headaches. Some physical therapies may also provide relief if your headaches are occurring daily due to occupational postures or the effects of standing for extended periods of time.
A physiotherapist can work with you to encourage better posture if you sit regularly at a computer. They may also show you options for neck rests or other props to alleviate discomfort during the day while you work. Often, relieving muscle tension, particularly in the neck area, is enough to improve the outlook for chronic persistent headaches. Massage is another consideration if your headaches are related to posture or muscle tension. It’s also important to exercise regularly, as exercise releases endorphins, the body’s ‘feel good’ chemicals.
Due to the constant and sometimes aggressive nature of chronic persistent headaches, they can be frustrating and challenging to treat. These headaches can prevent functioning at work and home as well as interfering with social activities. A willingness to try alternative therapies alongside your doctor directed medical treatment can help to get you back into the pain-free swing of daily life.