Can Headache Pain be Made Worse by Stress?
Stress can cause headaches to be more severe, especially if the person has extremely tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Tight muscles can put pressure on both nerves and blood vessels, depriving the brain of oxygen and disrupting signals to and from the brain. Stress also causes the depletion of B vitamins that the brain requires to function efficiently. In addition to the loss of the B complex vitamins, toxic byproducts are also released. High levels of stress produce free radicals that can have an impact on how the brain functions, including how well it is able to process and utilize the nutrients it receives.
What is a Cluster Headache?
Cluster headaches normally stay to one side of the head and will recur frequently, often appearing in clusters. Cluster headaches are often characterized by intense pain that is made worse when a person stands up or moves too quickly. Bright lights and odors can also cause the pain to intensify. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include eye pain, nausea, and vomiting. Remaining in a dark room in an inclined position may help to relieve the severity of some of the symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments can help to relieve the stress and inflammation that can aggravate the headache pain.
Can Chiropractic Adjustments Relieve Sinus Headache Pain?
Chiropractic adjustments can help to alleviate inflammation in the neck and around the base of the skull that can cause the sinuses to not be able to drain properly. Massage therapy is also beneficial in helping to open up the Eustachian tubes in the neck restoring the drainage channels that the sinuses empty into. When a person becomes congested due to a cold or the flu, the Eustachian tubes in the neck can become blocked, preventing them from draining. Both massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments can relieve the pain and the pressure of a sinus headache. This will also help to reduce the risk of a sinus infection.