Read this article to learn the difference between the various headache causes and triggers in Lawrenceville GA.

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Migraine Headaches

Technically, a migraine headache is defined as a headache on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances are very common with migraines. There are two major types of migraines:

• Classical Migraines: approximately 10-15% denoted by "Aura" which are visual disturbances.
• Common Migraines: roughly 85% headaches without "Aura"

The headaches (most types) may be "triggered" (not caused) by blood sugar changes, hormonal changes, stress, and fatigue. One may be forewarned of an oncoming migraine by brightly colored lights, or an "Aura" as commonly referred to. The headache can last from eight hours to three days. There may be a dull ache, or a severe "ice pick" disabling pain which often begins behind one eye or temple. Usually, migraine sufferers seek a quiet, dark place to rest.

Migraines cost individuals and families productivity and quality of life. The technology, through Atlas Orthogonal procedures now exists to significantly improve or correct these conditions.

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Tension Headaches

Roughly 75% of all chronic headaches fall into this category. There are two types of Tension headaches: Acute and Chronic

Acute headaches are temporary and are alleviated by rest, relaxation, or common over-the-counter medications.

Chronic headaches are noted by frequency, even continual, and daily headaches are not uncommon. They do not respond readily as Acute headaches and more aggressive measures are needed. Most pain relievers have become virtually useless here, however, the Atlas Orthogonal procedure has proven most effective.

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Hormonal Headaches

Headaches clearly can be triggered by changes in body chemistry. Factors that can change one’s body chemistry would include stress, dietary fluctuations, and menstrual changes.

Note; that we use the word "trigger" rather than "cause" headache.  In order to have a headache, there must be a cause AND a trigger. The “cause” most of the time is a misaligned atlas or C-1 vertebra, which irritates the delicate nerve fibers at the base of the skull. This stress and pressure make your nervous system more sensitive and less able to resist a symptom. The “trigger” can be anything from stress to hormones, to food allergies. Headaches are not caused by your mind, your stress level, or your diet. However, these factors can look like they are the very cause, simply because they are actually the trigger for headaches in most people.

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Cluster Headaches

The pain from cluster headaches is reported to be as bad as any type of pain people can endure. These headaches are known to be the most painful type of headache. They are vascular in origin and occur in less than 1% of true headache patients. Cluster headaches are more common among men by approximately five times.

Eyes can turn red, nostrils plug up then run, and pain can be so intense that while patients experience the headache they can become almost suicidal.

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The Common Denominator in Lawrenceville GA

The events and symptoms associated with various types of headaches as described above will trigger headaches, but they are not the cause. Women who have had headaches for two or three days at the same time each month, certainly have good reason to believe that hormones can cause headaches. I would agree that personality, stress, hormones, and other factors definitely play a contributing role in the continual production of this frustrating condition. But clinical evidence shows that these factors alone do not cause the headaches.

These factors that we've mentioned: hormones, personality, and diet are simply contributing factors, or, triggers. If there is enough nerve pressure from irritated nerves present, and experience a trigger, chances are you'll set off another headache. The "cause" was already in place.

Misalignment of one or more vertebrae was the cause all along.

A condition called Atlas Neuro Vascular Syndrome which compromises the communication between the brain and body and sets the state, (irritates the nerves) and clinically is the underlying cause of 95% of all headaches.

The Atlas Orthogonal procedure gently realigns the atlas vertebra without any forceful manipulation of the head or neck. When the atlas is in its proper position, nerve irritation is removed and proper blood flow is restored.

If the nerve irritation is reduced, or eliminated, the trigger won’t be able to produce a painful symptom.

Yours in health,

Dr. Marion J. Maloof