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Do you experience headaches but you’re not sure why? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’re about to explain the causes and treatments of migraines and headaches.

Read on, to learn…

• The four types of headaches.
• What’s causing them.
• What you can do to treat them.
• How we can help you.

What’s the Difference Between Migraines and Headaches?

There can be several reasons why you experience pain. Although migraines tend to be more severe than the average headache, a thundering pain in your head does not necessarily mean it’s a migraine. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to check which particular symptoms you have first. To help you out, we’ve covered the four most common types of headaches that our patients see us about.

1. Migraines 

A migraine is not your average headache. It sets itself apart from other headaches in several ways. First of all, it’s typically localized in one specific area of the head. The pain is often much more severe than regular headaches and comes with a whole set of other symptoms. 

When you suffer from a migraine, you can experience nausea and difficulties breathing. It’s also common to be extra sensitive to light and touch, and some people also suffer visual impairments. In some cases, it’s also possible to hallucinate and see flashes of light where there are none.

Worst of all, migraines tend to last for much longer than headaches, and they can often make it impossible to function properly. Unfortunately, migraines are hereditary, which means it’s a condition you may have to live with for the rest of your life. 

2. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are a series of headaches that often appear at the same time and in the same area of the head. They’re typically short but very intense pains that can recur every day, week, or month.

If you notice that the pain appears in the same spot, such as behind one eye, then it’s possibly a cluster headache. And if it occurs around the same time of year, such as the spring, then there’s also a good chance that it’s a cluster headache. 

3. Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache that we see. They’re caused by either physical or mental tension — or a combination of both. If you’re feeling particularly stressed for prolonged periods of time, then you’re at risk of developing tension headaches.

Fortunately, the symptoms aren’t as severe as with migraines, but they can still be debilitating. You’ll often feel tightness, tenderness, or pressure around the different regions of your head. It’s very rare that the pain is as sharp and intense as cluster headaches.

4. Cervicogenic Headaches

The last type of headache we see is cervicogenic headaches . Unlike the cluster and tension headaches, the pain tends to move around your head from one region to another. You can also experience additional pain in the arm or shoulder on the same side as the headache.

Although cervicogenic headaches are uncommon, they have some common denominators. They’re typically caused by a neck injury, and therefore can’t be treated with regular medication. Fortunately, they can be treated with spinal manipulation. 

What Causes Migraines and Headaches?

As you can see from the different types of headaches we’ve described, there are many possible causes. To make matters more complicated, some of the different causes compound. 

Here are some of the most common causes of headaches :

• Anxiety
• Bad posture
• Genes
• Hormones
• Inadequate ergonomics
• Muscle inflammation
• Poor nutrition
• Sleep deprivation
• Spinal misalignment

Some of these causes are preventable, but some of them are unfortunately not. If you’re not sure what is causing your headache, then you’re always welcome to give us a call. 

What Can You Do to Treat Your Headaches or Migraines?

Fortunately, there are a few household remedies you can make use of before you seek professional help. We’ve listed a few of them here below for your convenience.

1. Position

Many of us spend a long time in certain positions. Whether you’re typing on the computer, reading a lot of books, knitting or sewing clothes, it’s a good idea to change position with regular intervals. Set a timer to 30 minutes or so to remind yourself to take a break and stretch out.

2. Exercise

You’d be surprised how much a little bit of exercise can do for your headaches. But we have to emphasize the “little bit” part. If you engage in strenuous exercise it can actually make your headache worse. But light and low-impact aerobics, or just a long walk, can work wonders. 

3. Teeth clenching

Many people clench their teeth subconsciously. Sometimes we do it when we’re concentrated on work, when we’re anxious about something, or when we’re asleep. That can lead to headaches over time, so make a conscious effort to reduce it as much as possible.

4. Hydration

Finally, it’s important to drink enough water. Many common headaches are caused by poor hydration , and it’s easy to forget how much water you actually need. Keep in mind that liquids such as coffee and alcohol actually dehydrate you, so always keep a water bottle at hand.

How We Can Help You with Migraines and Headaches

If you still experience headaches, then it’s time to seek professional help. Fortunately, we’re at hand to answer all your questions and provide the necessary treatment to help you with your headaches or migraines. Below are three of the ways we help our clients. 

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

The chiropractic adjustments we offer can not only relieve your spine and nervous system, but also improve your overall health — and eliminate certain headaches . 

2. Lifestyle Counseling

We’ve seen it all, and have a lot of experience advising our clients on any lifestyle changes they need to make. Sometimes a few small changes can mean a big difference!

3. Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition is closely tied to many health issues, including headaches. We can advise you on any triggering foods that lead to headaches and migraines so you can stay clear of them.

Say Goodbye to Migraines and Headaches

We’re known as Carolina’s headache clinic #1 — and for good reason. With our many years of experience, we’re the best migraine specialist you can find in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. 

So when locals are looking for a headache clinic, Raleigh relies on us!

Say hello to us and goodbye to migraines and headaches

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Spinal decompression is a revolutionary treatment for neck and back pain and is widely used by chiropractors around the world. The effectiveness of spinal decompression has been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials, and it has been approved by the FDA. 

We’re proud to offer this treatment to our clients and have written extensively about it here on our blog. If you’d like to know more about what spinal decompression is and how it works, then head over to our blog post “Spinal Decompression Therapy…Does It Work?”

In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions our clients ask us. We hope that it will clear up some of the confusion surrounding the treatment. But if there is anything we haven’t covered in this post, then please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Click here to discuss spinal decompression with us today

Practical questions about the treatment

First, we’ll look at some of the practical questions you may have about spinal decompression, such as how long it’ll take, how many sessions you need and how much it’ll cost.

1. How many spinal decompression sessions do I need?

All patients are unique, so it’s difficult to give a precise answer to this question. However, 12-20 sessions done over the span of 4-6 weeks are usually enough to alleviate most conditions.

2. How long does spinal decompression last?

Each session will typically last between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the condition being treated.

3. How much does spinal decompression cost?

If you consult a doctor, then it can often cost as much as $4,000 for treatment. However, with the non-surgical treatment we offer, it’ll not only be cheaper but you’ll also recover faster.

4. Can you perform spinal decompression therapy at home?

No. It’s not recommended to try spinal decompression at home, as you could cause damage to your spine. However, once you’ve had your first sessions with us, we’ll recommend some exercises you can do at home to speed up the recovery period. 

5. When do you need spinal decompression surgery?

There are certain conditions where non-surgical treatment may not be enough. In these cases, we’ll refer you to a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon who can provide you with surgical treatment instead.

6. What is the spinal decompression surgery recovery time?

Should you require surgery, you’ll be delighted to know that you can leave the hospital as soon as 1-10 days after your treatment. 

Questions about specific conditions

Although spinal decompression works well for most neck and back pain, we’re often asked about specific conditions. We’ll cover the most common conditions below.

1. Can spinal decompression help spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows, which usually occurs in adults after the 50-year mark. Depending on how far the condition has progressed, surgical intervention may be needed.

2. Can spinal decompression help herniated disc?

A herniated disc, also known as slipped or bulged disc, is when the nucleus of a spinal disc slips out. Spinal decompression can not only alleviate the pain caused by herniated discs but also help prevent the need for surgery. 

3. Can spinal decompression help scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine has an abnormal curvature. The typical spine should have an S-shape, and our treatment can help correct any spines that don’t curve properly.

4. Can spinal decompression help spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is slightly similar to a herniated disc. It occurs when a vertebra has slipped or fractured. Spinal decompression can aid in both the recovery and prevent surgery. 

5. Will spinal decompression help sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain, weakness or numbness that stretches from the lower back and down the legs. Non-surgical treatment is usually enough to help realign your back and alleviate the symptoms. 

6. Does spinal decompression make you taller?

Yes, but not by much and not for long. Our treatment can make you approximately 1% taller, but this will only last until your spine compresses again. You can restore the 1% by stretching while hanging or lying down. 

Questions about potential risks

Although we are certified professionals, we understand that not everyone feels completely safe about spinal decompression. We hope to clear up some common misconceptions below.

1. Is spinal decompression safe?

Our non-surgical treatment is completely safe and there is no risk of causing any temporary or permanent harm or injury.

2. Is spinal decompression covered by insurance?

We can’t speak for every health insurance company, but as a rule of thumb, only surgical treatment is covered by health insurance.

3. Is spinal decompression painful?

Not at all. The treatment is designed to alleviate pain — not cause it. In fact, we’ve experienced that some of our clients feel so relaxed during the treatment that they’ve fallen asleep.

5. What are the spinal decompression therapy risks?

There are no real risks associated with the treatment. Some patients may experience slight muscle spasms if they’ve never had their back stretched before, but this is usually a minor issue.

6. What are the non-surgical spinal decompression therapy side effects?

None. The only side effect you can expect is to feel more relaxed and comfortable due to the absence of neck and back pain. 

Want to know more?

We’re always at hand to help answer any additional questions you may have about spinal compression and how it can help you alleviate neck and back pain. 

Click here to get in touch with us now

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Choosing a Chiropractor can be a very intimidating and confusing experience.

The chiropractic industry has many different techniques and
philosophies which can at times leave the consumer confused and overwhelmed.

When done correctly quality chiropractic care and greatly enhance your life and help with the management of musculoskeletal pain, athletic performance and acute injuries.

Here Are 7 Simple Ways To Choose The Best Chiropractor For You:

1. Referrals from friends, family members, primary care physicians, physical therapist, massage therapist, other medical specialists or professionals.

2. Check the Chiropractor’s credentials, certifications, curriculum vitae, experience, and education.

3. Look to see that the Chiropractor treats the conditions you are looking to treat: Most chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, nerve pain, car accident injuries, sports injuries, carpal tunnel and whiplash. Some Chiropractor’s specialize in other conditions like functional medicine to treat diabetes, obesity and nutritional deficiencies.

A quick search of the Chiropractor near you website should give you an idea of the types of treatments the chiropractor offers.

4. Check that the Chiropractor takes your health insurance:  This can save you money and lets you know that the Chiropractor works in a medically accepted framework. Carolina ChiroCare and Rehab are Chiropractors In Raleigh who take Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA, MedCost and Medicare health insurances.  We also accept third-party payers, car insurance and workers compensation insurance after an injury.

5. Review the Chiropractor’s online reputation and reviews: Sites like Google my business and Yelp will give you a quick insight into the past customers experience with that Chiropractor.

6. Research the Chiropractor’s hours and location: If you’re unable to get to your chiropractic appointments the relationship between you and your new chiropractor won’t go very far.  Look for a chiropractor who also walk-in appointments for those emergency days where you throw your back out or slip down the stairs.

7. Look for red flags with the Chiropractor. This may be the most important.

There may be a few things you want to avoid when choosing a new chiropractor. Here are a few red flags to look for:

– The Chiropractor offers months treatment upfront. Many conditions will resolve four weeks of treatment.  If you’re feeling better after a short duration of chiropractic care there’s no need to be locked in to several months of unnecessary treatments. More information here on how many visits to the Chiropractor before I feel better.

– The Chiropractor collects co-pays upfront for future visits co-pays upfront for future visits. This is illegal.

– The Chiropractor requires prepayment packages upfront for treatment. Again, there’s no need to be locked in financially for treatment. Again, there’s no need to be locked in financially for treatment that may or may not be successful.  

Finding the right to Chiropractor for you can greatly enhance your life over the years.  I hope this guide helps.

If you have any additional questions about choosing a Chiropractor please feel free to get in touch here.

To schedule an appointment at our Raleigh, NC location click here. 

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C. “Your Raleigh Chiropractor”

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Raleigh, NC

It’s that time of the year when some health benefits begin to expire on December 31st 2019.  

Which health benefits am I referring to?

There are several you may want to consider using before the end of 2019.

Here is a list of some health insurance related benefits to consider using with us before they expire December 31st, 2019.

Deductible premiums- If you have an insurance that carries a deductible that has been met for the year consider getting necessary treatment before December 31st.  You will likely be responsible to only pay from anywhere between 0 to 30% of the medical expenses.

If you’ve been putting off of that expensive MRI or diagnostic procedure this is definitely the time of year to take advantage of your deductible being met also.

Chiropractic visit limits-Most health insurance plans have caps on the number of Chiropractic visits per allowed. If by any chance next year you may be switching health insurance plans and you have been putting off getting that bad back worked on this may be the time of year to take some action. 

Health spending accounts (FSA)– Most health spending accounts require that the money is used by the end of the year. This means you have until December 31, 2019 to spend the money in the account for necessary medical expenses.

Many are unaware of some of the items eligible to use for health savings account and health spending accounts in our office.  Below is a list of items eligible to use for health savings and health spending accounts in our office.

– Copay and deductible payments

-Back braces

-Vitamin and mineral supplements

– Lumbar support seat cushions for work or in the car

-Biofreeze

– Shoulder or knee braces

– Home tens machines

– CBD Oil

– Topical pain patches (otc)

Any other supply considered medically necessary to your conditions.

If you have any additional questions about using your health insurance or health spending or savings accounts in Raleigh, please feel free to get in touch here.

To schedule an appointment at our Raleigh, NC location click here. 

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C. “Your Raleigh Chiropractor”

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For the millions of people each year suffering from neck and back pain there are many treatments available.    

In the USA, Back pain is one of the most common reasons for going to the doctor; more than 10% of visits to primary-care physicians are for this problem and amounts to about $86 billion in health care spending annually.

Approximately 25–60% of patients who experience low-back pain (LBP) will report recurrence of pain, many within as little time as one year (1). LBP is the most common cause of work disability in the US (2). Many patients on disability for periods in excess of six months will not return to work. That number decreases to nearly zero after two years (3). LBP is also the most expensive reason for work disability in the US (2). It has been estimated that 2% of the work force in the US will be compensated for back-related disabilities.