Women have double the risk of developing severe headaches compared with men, but overall, headaches affect 1 in 6 Americans. Rebecca Baker, LAc, at Acupuncture Associates of Castle Rock has extensive experience using acupuncture to heal the underlying cause of your headache, relieve the pain, and prevent future headaches. Whether you suffer from occasional or chronic headaches, you’ll receive exceptional holistic care. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Castle Rock, Colorado, or use online booking.
Headache Q & A
What causes headaches?
There are many different types of headaches, but they’re all categorized as primary or secondary, depending on their underlying cause:
Primary headaches
These headaches arise from problems directly associated with your head and neck. Migraines and tension headaches are two of the most common primary headaches.
Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is caused by an underlying health condition. This group includes at least eight different headaches, including those caused by a concussion or an infection, and disorders related to your facial structures such as your sinuses.
What qualities define different types of headaches?
Each type of headache is defined by characteristics such as the severity, duration, and symptoms. These are a few examples:
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are often called stress headaches because they’re so closely associated with stress, tense muscles, and lack of sleep. They cause mild to moderate pain that feels like your head is being squeezed.
Sinus headaches
Your sinuses are lined with membranes that produce mucus. When the membranes become inflamed due to a viral infection or allergies, mucus is trapped inside the sinus. This creates pressure that leads to a sinus headache.
Occipital headaches
These headaches occur when the occipital nerve is pinched. As a result, you develop stabbing pain on the back side of your head and at the base of the skull. The severe pain initially lasts a few seconds to minutes, then progresses to become a continuous, aching pain.
How are headaches treated?
Studies show that acupuncture is effective for treating pain, especially headache pain. Acupuncture works in several ways. First, it unblocks and balances the flow of your vital energy, called Qi, which supports your body’s natural healing ability.
Precisely placed acupuncture needles also stimulate brain chemicals essential for regulating pain and trigger the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers.
Rebecca also uses acupuncture to prevent future headache pain and to heal the underlying conditions causing your headaches. As a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, she provides other therapies that relieve headaches, such as acupressure, herbal medicine, and therapeutic massage.
If you suffer from any type of headache, call Acupuncture Associates of Castle Rock or book an appointment online.
