HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
IS YOUR NECK PART OF THE PROBLEM?
Is my headache coming from my head, my neck, or my nervous system?
Unfortunately, there is no fast easy answer for this, as you probably already know. Headaches are fairly common. Recurring headaches create a pattern and your patterns can be investigated, understood, and often improved
At Active Family Chiropractic, in Tempe, AZ (because there are many offices named Active Family Chiropractic across the USA) we begin with a Comprehensive Health History which asks, not only about your Health History, but your family's healthy history, as well as your history of trauma/accidents, followed by a Exam and X-rays. We may even decide that their is additional need for further imaging, like a CAT scan or MRI.
Properly diagnosing what is causing your headaches is key. That requires we do All of our "Due Diligence".
You deserve nothing less.
Not every headache is “just a headache.”
Migraines are a neurologic condition or have a neurologic component.
Tension-type headaches often feel like pressure or tightness and usually associated with stress, lack of sleep, eye strain, sitting at your desk too long, etc.
Cluster headaches are usually severe, one-sided attacks, and happen in a "bunch" and then are gone for awhile.
Cervicogenic headaches start from the neck but are felt in the head, similar to a Tension-type headache.
Medication-overuse headaches can happen when frequent pain-reliever use turns into a rebound cycle.
You can also get a headache from: food, alcohol, hormones, light, weather, sound, dehydration.......
The first job is identifying the pattern, not guessing.
This requires a Complete Health History and appropriate labs or imaging. The Alpha 5 Phase System is built on the information that we get from doing all of this homework. We will work together to address your triggers so that we can RECLAIM the fun and adventure in your life.
What is feeding the headache cycle: posture, stress, screens, dehydration, sleep, hormones, food triggers, old injuries, or too much medication?
The enemy is the headache cycle, the repeating loop of irritation, tension, poor mechanics, stress, inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and short-term relief that never fixes the source.
At AFC AZ, we are looking for any and all of the triggers for your headaches. Once we have identified them, we will work to remove, reduce and manage those triggers at the same time we address and maximize your spine and nervous system.
What can I do at home to calm the system before the headache takes over?
Here are some generic Rules of Thumb:
Rest. Better to lay down.
Dark room and temperature.
Do some deep, slow breathing exercises.
Drink some fluids, preferably water.
Have a snack.
Ice your neck
Aromatherapy: peppermint for tension &muscle pain, lavender for stress, and eucalyptus for sinus pressure.
Take a warm bath.
GET ADJUSTED.
Last resort: medicate.
when should i be concerned:
These are some examples of when you should be concerned and get assistance:
Sudden worst-ever headache,
Fever with stiff neck,
Weakness, numbness, confusion, vision changes, trouble speaking, seizure, or
Headache after trauma needs urgent medical care.
Most of all, TRUST YOUR GUT: IF YOU THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG - GO TO THE ER.
There are 2 best case scenarios:
Option 1: There is nothing wrong with you and you get to go home calm, and possibly with extra medicine or
Option 2: Something IS wrong and you catch it early.
Either way, it is a Win.
Our Alpha 5-Phase approach is: Relieve, Realign, Rebuild, Retrain, Reclaim.
First, we calm your pain and reduce irritation. Then we improve your alignment and your mobility.
Next, we rebuild your muscles and your movement patterns to support your neck, shoulders, and spine. Then we assess and retrain your daily habits like posture, screen setup, lifting, sleeping, and stress response. Finally, we help you reclaim confidence, activity, and manage your headaches.
Since the Alpha 5 Phase System is built on addressing your health as a whole you will feel better as well as feeling more confidant in LIVING your Life.
American Headache Society: Patient guides https://americanheadachesociety.org/resources/primary-care/patient-guides
Hear it from someone else:
Lindsay Needham •Local Guide • 76 reviews • 2058 photos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dr C is just the BEST! In many ways. I have been going to her for over 7 years and it feels like family.
SheH helped me get rid of all my debilitating migraines - i was getting often, and (she helped) very quickly too.
She's been through all my ups and down, and was a big part in my cancer journey years back.
Hands down -- the best chiropractor out there! Thanks Doc!
Brian Spear •3 reviews • 5 photos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve been coming to Active Family Chiropractic for years now! I’ve been walking around this earth for some time and over the many decades I have seen other chiropractors.
Dr. Rebecca Carlson-Bell is a stand out.
She is incredibly knowledgeable at what she does and truly takes the time to listen, tailoring each session to what is needed for each of us.
I’m lucky currently because I get to see her for mostly routine maintenance. Rebecca makes me stay on track in this messy world by helping me understand my body and what is important while learning about what is going on beneath the surface.
These days in the health care system it is a relief to find a doctor that will talk to you often in great lengths to learn what is needed to improve you and your quality of life.
If you are looking for a chiropractic office with superior individual attention, look no further.
Dr. Rebecca Carlson-Bell is a great, smart choice.
Quick Links
Hours of Operation
Mon: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tue: 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Wed: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thu: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fri: Appointment only
Sat: Appointment only
Sun: Closed
129 S Smith Road Tempe, AZ 85288
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