Ice Pick Headache (Opthalmodynia Periodica) Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Ever experienced a sudden sharp pain in your head that goes away quickly? You may have a primary stabbing headache. Primary stabbing headache, also referred to as ophthalmodynia periodica or “ice-pick headache,” is characterized by sudden, severe stabbing pains that typically manifest around one or both eyes. These headaches can present as a singular sharp jab or a series of stabbing sensations. The duration of each pain episode is usually brief (typically just a few seconds), although in rare cases, the discomfort may persist for up to 2 minutes. These headaches occur unpredictably, with frequencies varying from infrequent to daily episodes. I’ve seen patients confuse ice pick headaches with migraines, so it’s important to learn the differences. Although 40% of patients who experience primary stabbing headache also suffer from migraines , they are not the same condition. Fortunately, ice pick headache is typically not something to worry about, nor is it caused by a serious underlying condition. Most people experience them for up to a day or two and don’t get them again. Let’s get into the symptoms, causes, preventative measures, and treatments for primary stabbing headache. I’ll also break down the differences between primary stabbing headaches and other common headaches and headache conditions. Do you think you may be suffering from primary stabbing headaches ? Dr. Ty Carzoli helps patients treat a full range of disruptive headaches with precise orthospinology techniques. Schedule your appointment today by filling out our contact form or calling 303-955-8270. Symptoms Primary stabbing headaches feel like one or more short, sharp jabs to your head with an ice pick. The sharp pain occurs around the eyes. Its nickname “ice pick headache” is appropriate, though gruesome, as it quite literally feels like an ice pick going in and out of the eye. Common symptoms of primary stabbing headache (ice pick headache) include: Sudden onset of head pain with no warning Severe stabbing pain in the head or around the eyes Sharp head pain on top , front, or sides of the head Duration between 3 and 120 seconds (80% of episodes last no more than 3 seconds) Nausea Dizziness Rarely: Temporary vision loss in one eye (monocular vision loss) Rarely: Broken blood vessel in the eye (conjunctival hemorrhage) Diagnosis According to the International Headache Society (IHS), the diagnostic criteria for primary stabbing headache are: Head pain occurring spontaneously as a single stab or series of stabs and fits the following three criteria: Each stab lasts for up to a few seconds Stabs recur with irregular frequency, from one to many per day No cranial autonomic symptoms (which would indicate a different headache: SUNA ) Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis (meaning no other disease has been identified that would cause these symptoms) Doctors may use imaging to diagnose potential secondary causes of primary stabbing headaches, in which the ice pick-like pain could be a symptom. Note: It is rare for a doctor to actually diagnose primary stabbing headache, as they seldom recur more than a day or two after onset. A diagnosis is most often warranted when stabbing pains recur for multiple days. If you have pain like this that recurs for more than a day or two, seek medical advice. Your provider may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to relieve the pain. The primary drug therapy for ice pick headaches is indomethacin. Read Next: Occipital Neuralgia : Symptoms, Causes & Treatments Causes & Risk Factors Ice pick headache causes are not well understood. However, some neurology experts believe that as a primary headache disorder, primary stabbing headache is caused by short-term disruptions in your brain’s pain-controlling mechanisms. Primary stabbing headache may be caused and/or triggered by: Short-term disruptions in the brain’s pain-control mechanisms Migraine Trigeminal neuralgia Bell’s palsy Shingles ( herpes zoster ) Multiple sclerosis Lack of sleep Bright lights Posture changes Emotional stress Changes in weather Eating ice cream or drinking a cold drink Pituitary tumor (in which case, the pain is considered a “secondary” headache) Women are more likely to get primary stabbing headaches than men. The average age of a patient diagnosed with this condition is 28. In general, children and teens get these headaches at the same frequency as adults, no matter their age. Can dehydration cause ice pick headaches ? Dehydration headache is a different health condition from a primary stabbing headache. Dehydration headaches are caused by not drinking enough water. They usually last longer, but don’t hurt as much as ice pick headaches. Prevention and Treatment Based on the causes of stabbing headache pain, here are 4 ways to naturally address or prevent an ice pick headache: Avoid bright lights and go to a dark room. Get high-quality sleep at regular intervals. Eat cold foods slowly, or not at all. Avoid or relieve stress whenever possible. Primary stabbing headaches do not usually require treatment and almost always go away after just a few days. However, you should seek treatment for your headache pain if it happens several times or doesn’t go away within 3 days. It is extremely rare that primary stabbing headache pain would last longer than a couple of days. If that were to occur, the most common 3 treatments (along with their uses and side effects) include indomethacin, gabapentin, and melatonin. 1. Indomethacin Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats primary stabbing headache about 65% of the time — the best of any studied drug. Indomethacin helps ice pick headache pain go away. Possible side effects of indomethacin include: Nausea and vomiting Dizziness Heartburn Kidney problems Abdominal pain Diarrhea Constipation Headache 2. Gabapentin Gabapentin is another common drug used to treat primary stabbing headache. Gabapentin, a nerve pain drug, is often prescribed as a second option after indomethacin does not solve the underlying issue. Possible side effects of gabapentin include: Drowsiness Dizziness Fatigue Vision problems Tremors 3. Melatonin Melatonin may be a more suitable treatment option for children with this type of headache due to the limited side effects more appropriate for pediatric patients. Melatonin may help reduce the frequency of migraines, too (often associated with primary stabbing headache pain). Potential side effects

Why Do You Have a Headache When You Wake Up Every Morning? Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief You may wake up with headaches every morning due to sleep disorders, migraines, other headache disorders, depression and/or anxiety, certain medications, alcohol consumption, poor posture, or bruxism (teeth grinding). You can stop waking up with a headache by seeking chiropractic care, taking OTC medications, or making specific lifestyle changes, like getting good sleep, avoiding alcohol and drugs, cutting out caffeine, and relieving stress. If a sleep disorder is the culprit, you’ll need to work with one or more healthcare providers to provide specialized care for the underlying cause. Morning headaches affect 1 in 13 people, according to an article published in The Archives of Internal Medicine. Women and people ages 45-64 are more likely to get chronic morning headaches, but they can happen to anyone. The most common types of morning headaches are: Migraine Tension headaches Cluster headaches Hypnic headache 1. Migraine 2. Sleep Disorders 3. Hypnic Headaches 4. Muscle Tension from Poor Sleep Positions 5. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder 6. Medication 7. Alcohol or Drugs 8. Depression and Anxiety 9. Diet 10. Allergens in the Home 1. Migraine Migraine attacks, with or without head pain, occur most often in the morning. According to the National Headache Foundation, the body produces fewer natural painkillers (endorphins and enkephalins) between 4:00 and 8:00 AM. Migraine headaches include symptoms such as intense throbbing pain, a stiff neck, anxiety, and even light or sound sensitivity. Pain may be localized on only the right or left side of your head and may last hours or even days. Many consider migraine pain to be the most severe headache (although not everyone experiences head pain during migraine attacks). Migraines may cause early morning headaches while you’re asleep, causing you to miss the opportunity to take migraine meds to stop the attack before pain occurs. Some individuals experience an aura (a set of visual symptoms) before or during a migraine attack, such as: Bright spots in the vision Flashing lights Moving lines Temporary loss of vision (in severe cases)   If you experience morning headaches with aura, it’s almost certainly a migraine. Migraine attacks may also cause ice pick headache symptoms. 2. Sleep Disorders Sleep disorders and headaches go hand in hand — poor sleep quality and a lack of sleep both increase the likelihood of getting a headache when you wake up. Getting a good night’s sleep is not only good for your overall wellness, but it can also prevent morning headaches. The National Sleep Foundation reports that 60% of adults report having sleep problems multiple nights a week. A variety of conditions can cause headaches while sleeping. A lack of sleep, low-quality sleep, sleep disorders, and bad sleep position can all lead to morning headaches. The most common sleep disorders responsible for morning headaches are: OSA Circadian rhythm disorders Insomnia Oversleeping Sleep apnea causes temporary breathing lapses during sleep due to upper airway blockage. The most obvious symptoms may include snoring, sleep bruxism ( teeth grinding at night), dry mouth in the morning, gasping during the night, and morning headache pain. The worse your sleep apnea symptoms, the worse your morning headache pain may be. Patients typically experience OSA-related morning headaches as pain or pressure occurring on both sides of the head, not just one side. You will need a sleep study to diagnose this health condition. These conditions disrupt your sleep-wake cycle so that you are unable to sleep and stay awake on a typical 24-hour schedule. Circadian rhythm disorders may cause you to wake up with a headache. This condition prevents you from sleeping regularly and disrupts your circadian rhythm. Sleep deprivation is a common cause of morning headaches, among other conditions. According to 2016 research, 20% of migraine sufferers experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. This indicates that 1 in 5 migraines may be linked to sleep disturbances like insomnia. Oversleeping can cause morning headaches but the 2011 study most often cited for this links both oversleeping and low sleep quality to morning headaches — not oversleeping by itself. You may experience oversleeping headaches if your sleep quality or sleep posture is poor. Sleep apnea causes temporary breathing lapses during sleep due to upper airway blockage. The most obvious symptoms may include snoring, sleep bruxism ( teeth grinding at night), dry mouth in the morning, gasping during the night, and morning headache pain. The worse your sleep apnea symptoms, the worse your morning headache pain may be. Patients typically experience OSA-related morning headaches as pain or pressure occurring on both sides of the head, not just one side. You will need a sleep study to diagnose this health condition. These conditions disrupt your sleep-wake cycle so that you are unable to sleep and stay awake on a typical 24-hour schedule. Circadian rhythm disorders may cause you to wake up with a headache. This condition prevents you from sleeping regularly and disrupts your circadian rhythm. Sleep deprivation is a common cause of morning headaches, among other conditions. According to 2016 research, 20% of migraine sufferers experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. This indicates that 1 in 5 migraines may be linked to sleep disturbances like insomnia. Oversleeping can cause morning headaches but the 2011 study most often cited for this links both oversleeping and low sleep quality to morning headaches — not oversleeping by itself. You may experience oversleeping headaches if your sleep quality or sleep posture is poor. 3. Hypnic Headaches Hypnic headaches, also commonly referred to as “alarm clock headaches,” are a specific type of headache that begins during sleep. They are most common in adults 62 years or older and typically treated with caffeine first thing in the morning. Dull, spread-out head pain that you feel as soon as you wake up is often associated with hypnic headaches. 4. Muscle Tension from Poor Sleep Positions Muscle tension is a leading cause of headaches in general, including in the early morning. When your sleep posture is poor, strained or tense muscles may trigger a morning headache. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are caused by muscle tension,

Occipital Neuralgia Can Chiropractic Care Relieve Occipital Neuralgia Pain? Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a distinct form of nerve pain that affects the occipital nerves running from the top of the spinal cord (near your occipital bone) up through the scalp. Patients typically get this pain at the back of the head, sometimes radiating to the side of the head or upper neck. It’s often mistaken for migraines or other types of headache. Chiropractic care, with its focus on the health of the spinal column and nervous system, offers relief from the chronic pain of occipital neuralgia. I’ll review how chiropractic treatment (especially upper cervical chiropractic ) addresses the root cause of occipital neuralgia. What Does Occipital Neuralgia Feel Like? Occipital neuralgia is characterized by intense pain that can feel like an electric shock in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. Often described as piercing and throbbing, this pain can be so severe that it mimics the sensation of a migraine headache . This pain is similar to that of trigeminal neuralgia but focused in a different area. The symptoms of occipital neuralgia are unique because of where they occur. Most often, this pain radiates from the base of the skull, with pain that can move around the back of your head and sometimes involve the scalp. It’s not just the intensity of the pain that sets ON apart, but also its sharp, jabbing nature, which can be sporadic or continuous. Many patients describe the pain as similar to touching a live wire or an ice pick being driven into their head. What Causes Occipital Neuralgia? Occipital neuralgia occurs when one or more of the occipital nerve roots (located at the top of your spinal cord) are inflamed or irritated. 90% of the time, occipital neuralgia happens when the largest of the nerves, the greater occipital nerve, is compressed (a pinched nerve) or inflamed. To truly understand how this works, you must briefly understand occipital nerve stimulation. Occipital nerves are a group of nerves from C2 to C3. There are 3 occipital nerves: Greater occipital nerve Lesser occipital nerve Third occipital nerve There are several triggers that can lead to occipital neuralgia pain: Injury to the neck (such as whiplash) Muscle tightness Infection Gout Diabetes Tumors Blood vessel inflammation Cervical disc disease Arthritis of the upper cervical spine Nerve compression in the cervical spine If your occipital nerves are already inflamed or irritated, touching the back of your head or neck may trigger occipital neuralgia. Even brushing your hair or bumping your head against a headrest may trigger it. How Chiropractic May Help with Occipital Neuralgia Upper cervical chiropractic care, also known as orthospinology , is uniquely good for occipital neuralgia treatment. The occipital nerves run from the base of the brain and exit through C2. Upper cervical chiropractic adjustments zero in on the very top of your neck (vertebrae C1 and C2), where small misalignments can have a big impact on the occipital nerves. When these top neck vertebrae aren’t aligned right, it can squeeze or irritate the nerves. That’s often what causes the sharp, severe pain of occipital neuralgia. Chiropractors like myself use precise techniques to gently address this dysfunction, which can ease the pressure on the nerves and, in turn, relieve the pain. I frequently employ occipital lift adjustments and precise, individualized work on the atlas . Sometimes a simple, occipital lift adjustment works well — this adjustment gently creates a distractive force between the occiput and C1. But while occipital lift is more ‘popular,’ I find it to work less effectively for patients with occipital neuralgia. An occipital lift is less precise and may not be achievable based on where you contact the patient. Many chiropractors can perform this adjustment type if they have the right table, but it lacks the finesse or precision of actual atlas work. For many people with occipital neuralgia, focused atlas work is going to be the most probable route to relief. This kind of chiropractic care isn’t just about nudging bones into the right place. It’s also about the overall health of your nervous system. Adjustments in the upper neck can reduce swelling , improve blood flow, and help nerves work better. This can lessen the occipital neuralgia symptoms, from the intense, shock-like pain to the constant, dull ache. Upper cervical chiropractic is gentle and doesn’t involve any harsh treatments. Many people with occipital neuralgia find that it significantly cuts down on how often and how badly they get these headaches, helping them get back to their daily activities without the burden of constant pain. Read Next: Can Chiropractic Care Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia? Other Treatments In addition to upper cervical chiropractic care, there are several other non-invasive treatment options for managing occipital neuralgia. They focus on alleviating head and neck pain and reducing the frequency of headaches without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. Acupuncture and dry needling Recent research shows that both acupuncture and dry needling may improve clinical outcomes for occipital neuralgia patients. Dry needling is essentially acupuncture, but based entirely on peer-reviewed research from the past few decades. Over-the-counter pain relievers Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for temporary pain relief. They can help you manage pain episodes and reduce inflammation. However, I recommend these only for the very short term, as taking pain relievers often may have negative effects on your overall health. Heat and cold therapy* Applying heat can relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation. Then, cold packs can help reduce inflammation and numb pain. *This is most effective when used within the first 24-48 hours after an injury that caused ON pain. Massage therapy Massage helps relax tight muscles in the neck and upper back and can reduce muscle tension that might be compressing the occipital nerves. Even self-massage can help with ON pain. Physical therapy These exercises and stretches can strengthen neck muscles. Physical therapy aims to improve posture and range of motion, reducing strain on the occipital nerves. Relaxation techniques Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress.

Headache on Top of Your Head? Here’s Why and How to Fix It Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief If you’ve ever experienced head pain, you understand the urgent need for relief. Specifically, a headache on top of the head may be treated long-term with improved sleep, sleep apnea treatment, limiting caffeine, or other treatments that address potential root causes. What are the symptoms of a headache on top of the head? Constant or throbbing pain on top of head Tightening sensation Pressure Neck pain Jaw pain Sensitivity to light or noise Throbbing pain or pressure in the crown Good news: Headaches on the top of the head are rarely life-threatening, but they can still be disruptive and painful. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of these headaches and how you can keep them from happening. 1. Sleep Problems 2. Dehydration 3. Tension Headaches (Poor Posture) 4. Medication Side Effects 5. Inconsistent Caffeine Consumption 6. Head Injury 7. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) 8. Sinus Problems 9. Migraines 10. Occipital Neuralgia 1. Sleep Problems Inconsistent and low-quality sleep are common causes of headaches, including top-of-head headaches. In fact, one of the major symptoms of many sleep disorders is getting frequent headaches. Going to sleep or taking a nap may stop some headaches. 2. Dehydration Dehydration may lower brain fluid levels, causing the brain to shrink slightly and pull away from the skull. This shrinking places excess pressure on nerves and causes pain on the top of your skull. Drinking too much alcohol may lead to dehydration — since alcohol is a diuretic that flushes fluids through your renal system. 3. Tension Headaches (Poor Posture) Tension-type headaches might be causing your top-of-head headaches, especially if you sit in front of a computer all day. Holding your head too far forward puts stress on the muscles and bones at the top of your neck, which leads to headaches all over your head: on top, on the sides, and in the back of the head. What is a tension headache ? Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They can happen for many reasons, including poor posture, muscle overuse, and spinal misalignment, which results in muscle tension that travels up to the top and sides of your head. 4. Medication Side Effects Many medications have headache pain as a side effect. Even if headache isn’t listed as a side effect, overusing over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever medications can lead to rebound headache or medication overuse headache. These headaches that may occur on the top of your head typically occur when patients frequently use medications to treat their recurrent headaches over a long period. 5. Inconsistent Caffeine Consumption Caffeine consumption can lead to rebound headaches, particularly if you’re used to drinking caffeine every day, or you’re trying to reduce how much caffeine you drink. Having too much or too little caffeine is a common culprit of head pressure on top of the head 6. Head Injury Head trauma can lead to chronic headaches on top of the head, regardless of how severe the head injury was or how long ago it happened. Research actually suggests that minor head injuries may be more likely to cause chronic daily headaches , cluster headaches, and other adverse symptoms. 7. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) A major cause of headache disorders (particularly morning headaches ) is grinding the teeth, also called bruxism. Many people with bruxism grind their teeth while asleep, impacting the muscles, bones, and joints of the jaw and skull and leading to top-of-head headaches in adults. 8. Sinus Problems Sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull. Sinus headaches and sinus infections typically feel painful in the nasal area, cheeks, jaws, and teeth. However, patients with a sinus headache may also feel sharp pain at the top of the head. 9. Migraines Migraines are severe headaches that feel like a throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, possibly the top of your head. Migraines can happen with or without auras — visual or auditory disturbances that often precede migraine pain. Common migraine triggers include: Stress Too much light Certain smells Hormone changes Changes in the weather Diet, such as chocolate, dairy, or processed meat 10. Occipital Neuralgia Three major occipital nerves run up from the spinal cord toward the top of the head. These nerves can become inflamed, leading to occipital neuralgia — a headache often described as either a piercing or a throbbing pain. What causes a headache on top of your head ? Occipital neuralgia, migraines, poor posture, head injuries, and certain medications all cause your head to hurt at the top of your head. There are rare, more severe possible causes, such as high blood pressure or a brain tumor. Rare Causes of a Headache on Top of Your Head Below are a few rarer causes of headache pain on top of your head: Blood vessel constriction Constricting blood vessels in the head and brain can also cause pain at the top of your head. In some cases, these headaches are caused by reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), a rare syndrome sometimes referred to as thunderclap headaches . Brain aneurysm In the most severe case, a blood vessel may rupture in the brain, leading to severe headache. Other than a headache, symptoms of a brain aneurysm include generally feeling unwell, dizziness, confusion, seizures, unexplained muscle weakness, blurry vision, and a sensitivity to light. A cerebral aneurysm requires immediate medical attention. Hypertension Headaches Hypertension headaches happen when high blood pressure makes the pressure in and around your brain rise, which causes pain. These headaches can be a symptom of life-threatening high blood pressure, so seek medical care immediately if you have hypertension and a bad headache. Hypnic Headaches These are headaches associated with disordered sleep. Nighttime headaches on top of your head may be caused by hypnic headache pain. Brain tumor In rare cases, a tumor may cause severe pain on top of your skull. Talk to your healthcare provider about other symptoms of having a tumor. Treatments If you suffer from headaches at the top of your head, you don’t have to live with that pain. There are highly effective treatment options to help

The Long-Term Effects of Concussions Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur after head trauma. While most symptoms resolve within a few weeks, some people experience long-term effects of concussions as a result of post-concussion syndrome. The effects of a concussion can be subtle, like difficulty concentrating, headaches or migraines , and fatigue, or more pronounced, like obvious personality changes and memory loss. Repetitive brain injuries put you in a higher risk category for long-term effects. Multiple concussions can also result in a dangerous progressive brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). It’s important to understand what persistent post-concussive symptoms look like, especially if you’ve had more than one concussion, and how to get the help you need. 1. Memory Problems 2. Difficulty Concentrating 3. Personality Changes 4. Parkinson’s Disease 5. Alzheimer’s Disease 6. Sleep Disturbances 7. Smell and Taste Problems 1. Memory Problems: What are the cognitive and psychological effects of multiple concussions over time? Cognitive and psychological effects of multiple concussions over time include problems thinking, remembering, and controlling your behavior. Memory loss, brain fog, and challenges recalling events or information are common long-term effects of concussions. In rare cases, a severe concussion can result in a loss of consciousness, slurred speech, and a period of amnesia. Long-term memory problems are more common with CTE patients due to repeated disruptions to neural pathways in brain cells. Severe damage to parts of the brain responsible for those cognitive functions can also cause long-term memory deficits and cognitive impairment. 2. Difficulty Concentrating: The trauma from a concussion can disrupt normal brain function and affect your ability to concentrate and focus. Persistent headaches , dizziness, and fatigue in long-term concussion patients can also make it difficult to complete daily tasks related to work and school. The severity of these long-term concussion symptoms depends on the damage involved. Mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, or depression that arise as a result of these symptoms can make it even more difficult to bounce back from brain-related symptoms. 3. Personality Changes Behavioral changes can happen when a head injury affects parts of the brain responsible for emotions, behavior, and personality traits. Loved ones may notice changes in concussion patients before you do, and changes in behavior or mood may not happen until years, even decades, after the initial head trauma. Personality changes that may occur as symptoms of a concussion include: Irritability Aggression Anxiety Mood swings Loss of impulse control Problems planning or multi-tasking Apathy Depression Suicidal ideation Cognitive therapies, or cognitive rehabilitation therapy, may be supportive in addressing not only behavioral changes, but difficulties with memory and attention in long-term concussion patients. National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) defines and regulates the practice of manually adjusting the upper cervical vertebrae based on x-ray analysis. This practice is slightly different from orthospinology. What is the difference between NUCCA and Orthospinology ? NUCCA adjustments are usually done by hand, but orthospinology procedures use instruments. A patient with good outcomes at a NUCCA office will typically have good outcomes at an orthospinology practice, and vice versa. Atlas Orthogonal is a little different from orthospinology though they are both upper cervical low-force procedures. The Atlas Orthogonal technique looks much like an orthospinology adjustment, but the instrument delivers the adjustment with a “percussive force” — essentially, a sound wave. Orthospinology techniques utilize a similar percussive instrument for some types of misalignments, but a larger table mounted instrument with a mechanical excursion for more. 4. Parkinson’s Disease Suffering a concussion can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease later in life. This includes both CTE and mild TBI from a single concussion. There may be a few different reasons for this.  Concussions may affect normal blood flow to the brain and disrupt brain structures involved in movement and nervous system responses.  Depending on the severity of the trauma, your body can also have lasting effects from an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress on the brain. Individuals with Parkinson’s are more likely to have high levels of inflammation in the brain than those without the disease.  5. Alzheimer’s Disease People with a history of concussions are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Much like Parkinson’s, inflammatory responses in the brain following head trauma can trigger changes in brain function connected to progressive brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. This can accelerate existing memory problems, personality changes, and persistent confusion, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog associated with long-term concussion symptoms. 6. Sleep Disturbances Sleep problems are one of the most common concussion long-term effects. Concussions disrupt normal sleep patterns when a brain trauma affects neurons involved in sleep-wake cycles. Additional symptoms like bad headaches and body pain may also interfere with your sleep. Long-term sleep issues can have lasting effects on not only your natural concussion recovery , but overall wellness. Chronic sleep problems are linked to an increase in stress and anxiety that make it harder for your brain to rest and reset following trauma.  Insomnia can also impair coordination and motor function, increase risk of accidents and, as a result, contribute to future concussions.  7. Smell and Taste Problems Loss of smell, also known as anosmia or smell blindness, is a common symptom of head trauma. A blow to the head can damage the olfactory nerves responsible for sending smell signals from your nose to your brain. Persistent brain inflammation after the fact can exacerbate the issue. While smell dysfunction typically resolves itself within a few months, it can persist in some patients for years. The severity and duration is directly related to the severity of your injury. A concussion can also cause taste dysfunction, or hypogeusia, and a bad taste in your mouth , or dysgeusia. The same receptors responsible for smell are connected to taste. Concussions vs. TBI vs. CTE A concussion occurs when you suffer a head injury. Common risk factors for concussions are contact sports like football or ice hockey, whiplash following a car accident, or falls. These kinds of concussions are often referred to as mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Moderate to severe TBI

Top 7 Causes of Your Denver Headache (And How Chiropractic Care Can Help) Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Headaches are no stranger to Denver residents. The unique environmental factors of living at high altitudes combined with seasonal shifts can leave many people feeling the painful effects of a headache. In this article, we’ll explore the top seven causes of headaches that are specific to Denver and Colorado, and we’ll show you how we at Denver Upper Cervical can help relieve these pains. Whether you’re dealing with altitude sickness, allergies, or something else, we’ve got the solutions you need. And remember, we also offer chiropractic services across Colorado, including chiropractor Colorado Springs CO, chiropractor Grand Junction CO, and more. 1. Altitude Changes: A Common Cause of Denver Headaches 2. Barometric Pressure Headaches: When the Weather Strikes 3. Seasonal Allergies: A Headache Trigger in Disguise 4. Dehydration: The Dry Climate’s Hidden Culprit 5. Stress and Tension: Life’s Everyday Strains 6. Lack of Sleep: A Common but Overlooked Trigger 7. Post-Exercise Headaches: When Staying Fit Hurts 1. Altitude Changes: A Common Cause of Denver Headaches Denver is famous for its elevation, and that comes with some unique challenges for your body, especially if you’re not used to the altitude. The Mile-High City sits at over 5,000 feet above sea level, which means thinner air and reduced oxygen intake. This lack of oxygen can cause your blood vessels to expand as your body tries to compensate, leading to headaches. These altitude-related headaches can feel intense and throbbing, especially during the first few days of arriving or during rapid weather changes. Chiropractic care plays a critical role in helping the body adapt to the stresses caused by altitude changes. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can lead to nerve interference, which may exacerbate headaches. By correcting these misalignments, we improve the body’s ability to regulate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, reducing the likelihood of altitude-induced headaches. Our patients often report feeling immediate relief following an adjustment, as proper spinal alignment promotes better oxygenation throughout the body. 2. Barometric Pressure Headaches: When the Weather Strikes Denver’s ever-changing weather can cause fluctuations in barometric pressure, which can trigger headaches for many people. As the pressure changes, the air in your sinuses may expand or contract, creating pressure that can lead to pain. These headaches are particularly common in the fall and winter months when the weather tends to shift more dramatically. Barometric pressure headaches often worsen due to tension in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care addresses this by focusing on realigning the spine and relieving tension in the surrounding muscles. Regular adjustments help to reduce the stress placed on the upper cervical spine during weather changes, preventing the onset of these headaches. By maintaining proper spinal health, you can increase your resilience to barometric pressure fluctuations and enjoy the beautiful Denver weather without the pain. 3. Seasonal Allergies: A Headache Trigger in Disguise As the seasons change in Colorado, so do the allergens in the air. Spring and fall are particularly troublesome for allergy sufferers in Denver. Pollen, dust, and mold spores can trigger sinus headaches, which often feel like pressure around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks. These headaches can be worsened by nasal congestion and inflammation in the sinuses. Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of allergy-related headaches by improving immune function. When your spine is properly aligned, your nervous system communicates more effectively with the rest of your body, including your immune system. This can help reduce inflammation and the body’s overreaction to allergens, minimizing sinus pressure and headaches. Chiropractic adjustments may also improve sinus drainage, allowing for quicker relief from congestion and the pressure that leads to headaches. 4. Dehydration: The Dry Climate’s Hidden Culprit Denver’s dry climate means that staying hydrated is more important than ever. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, especially if you’re not drinking enough water throughout the day. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches as your body struggles to function without the proper amount of fluid. One lesser-known benefit of chiropractic care is its ability to support proper hydration. When the spine is misaligned, nerve communication to the body’s organs can be disrupted, potentially affecting the kidneys and other organs responsible for regulating hydration levels. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper nerve function, helping your body to manage its hydration more efficiently. This is particularly important in a dry environment like Denver, where maintaining proper hydration is crucial for preventing headaches. 5. Stress and Tension: Life’s Everyday Strains Even in a city like Denver, known for its laid-back lifestyle, stress can be a significant contributor to headaches. Tension headaches are caused by muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can result from long hours at work, family stress, or even poor posture. These headaches are often described as a tight band of pressure around the head and can be triggered by emotional or physical stress. Chiropractic care targets the root cause of tension headaches by addressing misalignments in the spine that contribute to muscle tightness. When your spine is out of alignment, it places extra strain on the surrounding muscles, leading to tension and headaches. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic adjustments can relieve muscle tension and reduce the frequency of headaches. Additionally, chiropractic care promotes relaxation and stress relief, making it an essential part of managing tension headaches in today’s fast-paced world. 6. Lack of Sleep: A Common but Overlooked Trigger Lack of sleep is a common cause of headaches, particularly in busy cities like Denver. Whether you’re working long hours, dealing with family commitments, or just having trouble sleeping due to altitude adjustments, sleep deprivation can lead to increased headaches. Sleep-deprived individuals often experience tension headaches and migraines, both of which can be exacerbated by the body’s inability to properly rest and recover. Chiropractic adjustments not only help relieve the physical discomfort that can keep you awake at night but also promote better sleep overall. By addressing issues such as neck and