Almost every person will experience a headache at some time, but the symptoms can vary quite a lot from person to person, and the frequency of the headache pain may happen occasionally or chronically. For example, some people only feel pain in one part of the head, often just behind the eyes. Other people feel pounding sensations in the whole head, and even nausea. The length and severity of headaches can also vary widely, even lasting for days in some cases. A Virginia Beach chiropractor should be able to provide relief for many headache problems.

There are two main types of recurrent headaches: tension headaches, and migraines. Tension (or stress) headaches are the most common headache problem.

Most tension headache sufferers feel a constant, dull ache, as if the head is being compressed in a tight band. This can be one or both sides of the head. Usually symptoms build up gradually over time, and the duration can range from a just a few minutes up several days.

Often tension headaches can be a consequence of bad posture, stressing the spine, upper back and neck muscles. They can also be caused by stress, often during working hours. In both cases the tension headache might start to be noticed in the afternoon or evening.

Migraine headaches are intense, throbbing and painful, often with light and noise sensitivity. 75% of sufferers are female. Attacks can last for several days.

Migraine headaches start with a constriction of the blood vessels in the brain. During this period sufferers often experience visual (or "aura") symptoms, which let them know an attack is starting. The blood vessels then dilate, (or open wide) which allows a rapid inflow of blood into the brain. The increased blood pressure causes the severe pounding effect in the head, with a shock wave of pain hitting on every heart beat.

A Virginia Beach Chiropractor has remedies (particularly spinal manipulation) that can be effective for tension headaches which originate in the neck, although each individuals case is different, and a skilled chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination before determining the correct course of spinal manipulation to carry out. Chiropractors will also give advice on lifestyle changes which can help with both tension and migraine type headaches.

Your Virginia Beach chiropractor is instrumental in solving problems with headaches. Find out more about the techniques that have been helping thousands of local residents by visiting the website at http://www.thespinegroup.net .