<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Headaches Archives - Intouch Chiropractic</title> <atom:link href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/category/headaches/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>At Intouch Chiropractic, your journey to better health is addressed with advanced diagnostics and world-class treatment protocols.</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:42:47 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1</generator> <image> <url>https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-it-logo-bg-1a-1-32x32.jpg</url> <title>Headaches Archives - Intouch Chiropractic</title> <link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>How Spinal Decompression Helps with Chronic Headaches</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-spinal-decompression-helps-with-chronic-headaches/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:47:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spinal Decompression]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=3999</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Recurring headaches can take over your days, affect your sleep, and make it hard to stay focused at work or enjoy time with family and friends. For many of our...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-spinal-decompression-helps-with-chronic-headaches/">How Spinal Decompression Helps with Chronic Headaches</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recurring headaches can take over your days, affect your sleep, and make it hard to stay focused at work or enjoy time with family and friends. For many of our patients at <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego</a>, the missing piece is not another medication, but addressing the underlying spinal issues that keep irritating sensitive nerves in the neck and upper back.</p> <p>That is where spinal decompression for headaches comes in. By gently relieving pressure on the discs and joints that support your neck, non surgical spinal decompression can reduce nerve irritation, improve circulation, and create a healthier environment for healing so your headaches become less frequent and less intense over time.</p> <p>In this blog post, we will explain how spinal decompression works, who is a good candidate, and why it can be so effective for chronic headaches that start in the neck, often called cervicogenic or occipital headaches.</p> <p><strong>Let’s start with a quick explanation of what spinal decompression is and how it works.</strong></p> <div id="attachment_1923" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1923" class="size-large wp-image-1923" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/spinal-decompression-lower-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-1-1024x914.jpg" alt="A patient uses the DRX9000 to perform non-surgical spinal decompression for lower back pain at Intouch Chiropractic" width="1024" height="914" /><p id="caption-attachment-1923" class="wp-caption-text">A patient uses the DRX9000 to perform non-surgical spinal decompression for lower back pain at Intouch Chiropractic</p></div> <h2>What is Spinal Decompression and How Does it Work?</h2> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">Spinal decompression is a gentle, non-invasive therapy</a> that uses controlled stretching to relieve pressure on the spinal discs, joints, and nerves.</p> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic, we use specialized computerized tables that carefully and gradually pull and release tension along the spine. This controlled traction creates negative pressure inside the discs, which helps draw nutrients, oxygen, and fluids back into the disc space. Over time, this process encourages the discs to heal, reduces inflammation, and takes pressure off nearby nerves that may be causing your headache pain.</p> <p>Unlike manual stretching or old fashioned traction devices, modern spinal decompression uses sophisticated software that adjusts the pull in real time based on your body’s feedback. This precision makes the treatment more comfortable and effective, and it allows us to target specific areas of the spine, especially the cervical region (neck), where tension and misalignment often trigger chronic headaches.</p> <p>Next, let’s cover how spinal decompression is actually a great <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/headaches/">therapy choice for those who suffer from chronic headaches</a>.</p> <h2>Is Spinal Decompression a Good Treatment for Chronic Headaches?</h2> <p>The short answer is yes, especially if your headaches originate in the neck or upper back.</p> <p>Many people who suffer from chronic headaches do not realize that the root cause is often mechanical. Herniated or bulging discs, pinched nerves, tight muscles, misaligned vertebrae, and poor posture can all create tension and inflammation that radiates up into the head.</p> <p>When the cervical spine is out of alignment or under constant stress, it can trigger pain signals that result in tension headaches, migraines, or cervicogenic headaches (headaches that begin in the neck).</p> <p>Spinal decompression addresses these underlying structural problems rather than just masking the pain.</p> <p><iframe title="Spinal Decompression Intouch Chiropractic" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1178621794?dnt=1&app_id=122963" width="1080" height="608" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe></p> <p>Here are several key reasons why spinal decompression is an effective treatment for chronic headache sufferers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Relieves Nerve Compression:</strong> When discs bulge or herniate, they can press on nerves that send pain signals to the head. Spinal decompression gently pulls the vertebrae apart, creating space and reducing nerve irritation.</li> <li><strong>Improves Blood Flow and Nutrient Delivery:</strong> Decompression therapy enhances circulation in the neck, allowing oxygen and healing nutrients to reach damaged tissues. Better blood flow means reduced inflammation and faster recovery.</li> <li><strong>Reduces Muscle Tension:</strong> Chronic headaches often go hand in hand with tight neck and shoulder muscles. By relieving pressure on the spine, decompression helps surrounding muscles relax, breaking the cycle of tension and pain.</li> <li><strong>Addresses the Root Cause:</strong> Unlike pain medications that provide temporary relief, spinal decompression targets the structural issues causing your headaches. This approach leads to longer lasting results and may reduce your need for medication.</li> <li><strong>Non Surgical and Drug Free:</strong> Spinal decompression offers a safe alternative to surgery or prescription painkillers. There is no downtime, no side effects, and no risk of dependency.</li> <li><strong>Works Well with Other Therapies:</strong> At Intouch Chiropractic, we combine spinal decompression with NUCCA upper cervical adjustments, which focus on the precise alignment of the top two vertebrae in your neck. This integrated approach maximizes your results and helps prevent headaches from coming back.</li> </ul> <h2>What to Expect from an Intouch Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Plan</h2> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, we take a personalized, comprehensive approach to <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">treating chronic headaches with spinal decompression</a>. Every patient is unique, and we tailor your treatment plan to address your specific condition, pain level, and health goals.</p> <p>From your first visit to ongoing care, our focus is on helping you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.</p> <p>Here is what you can expect when you begin a spinal decompression treatment plan with us:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Thorough Initial Consultation:</strong> We begin with a detailed review of your health history, headache patterns, and any previous treatments. Understanding your symptoms and lifestyle helps us create a targeted plan.</li> <li><strong>Comprehensive Examination:</strong> Your chiropractor will perform a physical exam, including postural analysis, spinal alignment checks, and range of motion tests. We also take x-rays to get a clear picture of your cervical spine and identify any structural problems.</li> <li><strong>Customized Treatment Plan:</strong> Based on our findings, we will design a spinal decompression plan specifically for you. This typically includes a series of sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.</li> <li><strong>Comfortable, Relaxing Sessions:</strong> During treatment, you will lie comfortably on our computerized decompression table. The machine gently stretches your spine in a controlled, rhythmic pattern. Most patients find the experience relaxing, and many even fall asleep during their session.</li> <li><strong>Integration with NUCCA Care:</strong> We often combine spinal decompression with NUCCA upper cervical adjustments to ensure your entire spine is properly aligned. NUCCA focuses on the atlas (the top vertebra), which plays a critical role in overall posture and headache prevention.</li> <li><strong>Progress Monitoring:</strong> We track your improvement throughout your treatment plan, adjusting the approach as needed to ensure you are getting the best results. Many of our patients notice reduced headache frequency and intensity within the first few weeks.</li> <li><strong>Ongoing Support and Education:</strong> We provide guidance on posture, ergonomics, stretches, and lifestyle changes to support your healing and prevent future headaches. Our goal is not just to relieve your pain, but to empower you with the tools to maintain your health long term.</li> </ul> <p>If you would like to get started on your chronic headache treatment plan with Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">contact us today</a>.</p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-spinal-decompression-helps-with-chronic-headaches/">How Spinal Decompression Helps with Chronic Headaches</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What Does a Migraine Feel Like?</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-does-migraine-feel-like/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:24:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=566</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-does-migraine-feel-like/">What Does a Migraine Feel Like?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6aa3eb73a473d" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row top-level" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Migraines are a form of severe headache that affect about 15% percent of the population globally. Also, many migraine sufferers experience pain that can be debilitating to the point of jeopardizing one’s career.</p> <p>It’s more than an ordinary headache, and according to the Mayo Clinic:</p> <p>A migraine can cause an extreme pulsing sensation or a throbbing. Migraines usually only affect one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and severe sensitivity to sound and light.</p> <p>Secondly, migraine attacks may cause severe pain for hours or days, and can be so extreme that the pain may prevent you from going to work or school.</p> <p>Plus, warning symptoms known as aura can occur before or along with the migraine attack. These can include blind spots, flashes of light, and/or tingling on one side of the face or in your arm or leg.</p> <p>If you’ve ever wondered if you’re suffering from a migraine and <strong>what a migraine feels like</strong>, keep reading.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-397" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870.webp" alt="A woman sits on her bed holding her temples and having a bad headache" width="800" height="534" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870.webp 800w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870-300x200.webp 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />What it Feels Like to Have a Migraine Attack</h2> <p>A migraine is much more than just a headache. It typically involves intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, accompanied by a range of other symptoms.</p> <p>Here’s what migraine headaches typically feel like:</p> <h3><strong>Intense Pain</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Severe, throbbing or pounding headache, usually affecting one side of the head</li> <li>Pain that worsens with physical activity</li> <li>Migraine pain can last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Sensory Disturbances</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smells</li> <li>Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases, such as flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Nausea and Digestive Issues</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Nausea affects about 80% of people with migraines</li> <li>Vomiting occurs in about half of migraine sufferers</li> <li>Some may experience stomach aches and diarrhea</li> </ul> <h3><strong>Other Common Migraine Symptoms</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Feeling dizzy or faint</li> <li>Neck pain or stiffness</li> <li>Poor concentration and fatigue</li> <li>Feeling hot or cold and sweating</li> <li>Increased need to urinate</li> </ul> <p>Many people describe the experience of having a migraine as debilitating, often making everyday activities impossible during an attack. The symptoms can vary between individuals and even between attacks for the same person. Some may experience warning signs hours or days before the headache phase, such as mood changes, food cravings, or increased yawning<span data-color="oklch(var(--dark-background-color-300)/var(--tw-bg-opacity))">.</span></p> <p>After the headache subsides, many people report feeling extremely tired, while others might feel unusually refreshed or energetic. This post-headache phase, known as the postdrome, can last up to a day.</p> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/migraines-headaches-difference/">Learn more about the differences between headaches and migraines at our blog.</a></p> <p>Now that we’ve covered what migraines feel like, let’s get into how to <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">assess and treat migraines</a>.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“I suffer from chronic daily migraine which also ties into my TMJ (tight jaw). Within days I had markedly improved mental clarity. I had my first day without pain about 3 weeks in. Now I have so much more energy and I’m feeling great. I’ve definitely switched from a skeptic to a believer! Not to mention how kind and professional Dr’s. Young and Tapia and their staff are.”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/f2XC8o5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Migraine Treatment Review by Laura L.</a> </p></blockquote> <h2><span style="font-size: 16px;">Take Inventory of Your Symptoms</span></h2> <p>When tackling any medical issue, it’s a good idea to keep track of symptoms. Using a journal, spreadsheet, or other system that works for you, record your habits and experiments to help determine what’s working and not working. Here’s a few things to consider:</p> <h3>Chemical:</h3> <ul> <li>Are there certain foods that trigger or calm your migraines?</li> <li>Based on recommendations from your healthcare team, have you made an honest change to your diet and noted any changes?</li> <li>If you are using medications, are you using them as advised and recorded their effects?</li> </ul> <h3>Mechanical:</h3> <ul> <li>How is your body moving? Are you flexible?</li> <li>Do you spend long periods of time in one position driving, on the computer, reading, or in some other sedentary position?</li> <li>Have you been prescribed exercises? Do you actually do them?</li> </ul> <h3>Emotional:</h3> <ul> <li>Migraines are associated with stress. What are the stressors in your life?</li> <li>How do you mange stress?</li> <li>Do you actively engage in self-care? Also, how and when do you take care of your emotional needs?</li> </ul> <p>Taking inventory of your symptoms and health habits will help you and your healthcare team come up with a plan to address your migraines.</p> <h2>Holistic Approaches that Work</h2> <p>Assessing whether therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care are effective in treating migraines is challenging. However, when surveying chiropractic care studies, scientists stated that studies had problems with methodology. These studies concluded that “the evidence to support spinal manipulation is poor and insufficient to support its use.”</p> <p>Indeed, while complex, it is simpler to study the use of medication than methods that rely on the practitioner’s experience and skill. One can look at the results of a 5mg or 10mg dose of medicine, compare it with a placebo, and make conclusions.</p> <p>How does one deliver exactly the same “dose” of acupuncture or chiropractic care to patients and then measure the results? It’s definitely more challenging that studying a pill. It is difficult to standardize holistic care and to measure it scientifically.</p> <p>In spite of challenges to measuring the value of chiropractic care, research conducted by a group in Australia did summarize their study results and stated that chiropractic therapy was often effective. They found that “22% of participants reported more than a 90% reduction of migraines as a consequence of the 2 months of chiropractic. Approximately 50% more participants reported significant improvement in the morbidity of each episode.”</p> <p>Anecdotal evidence, which would be completely inadmissible in a scientific forum, also points to chiropractic care being an effective aid for <a href="/blog/chronic-migraines-help-without-drugs-or-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chronic migraines without drugs or surgery</a>. On a website where people self-reported the effect of chiropractic care, 29% of respondents (129 of 542), all symptoms were eliminated. Contrasted with only 13% who claimed no benefit at all.</p> <h2>Conclusion: Migraines</h2> <p>We are each responsible for our health. Be bold and do your research when looking for solutions to your migraines. Each person is unique, so be honest with your doctors, give them as much information as you can to help them use all of their training to help create a custom solution that fits your needs.</p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> <p>***</p> <p>Guest Blogger Bio: Martha de Forest is a dual degree engineer and certified integrative hypnotherapist. She has been married for over 30 years and has raised two daughters.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-does-migraine-feel-like/">What Does a Migraine Feel Like?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Migraine vs Headache: What is the Difference?</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/migraines-headaches-difference/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:51:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=714</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In day-to-day life, it’s not uncommon for the terms ’migraine’ and ‘headache’ to be used somewhat interchangeably. And while that may work for communicating that you are experiencing pain in...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/migraines-headaches-difference/">Migraine vs Headache: What is the Difference?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In day-to-day life, it’s not uncommon for the terms ’migraine’ and ‘headache’ to be used somewhat interchangeably. And while that may work for communicating that you are experiencing pain in your head, <strong>headaches and migraines are not the same thing</strong>.</p> <p>In this blog post, we’ll quickly cover the difference between a migraine vs headache, including an overview on the four main stages of migraines and <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">migraine treatment options.</a>.</p> <p>Let’s get started!</p> <h2>Migraines vs Headaches: The Basic Differences</h2> <p>So, what’s the difference between a migraine and a headache?</p> <p><strong>The term ‘headache’ refers to a general pain or pressure that is felt in the head.</strong> This pain or pressure can occur on both sides of the head and may range from a mild headache to a more severe one. <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/headache-relief/">There are a variety of types of headaches</a> that have different causes, ranging from stress to dehydration, and more.</p> <p><strong>Migraines, meanwhile, are a type of headache. But these headaches are actually neurological disorders.</strong> People who experience headaches will feel intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms may present along with this pain including nausea, visual disturbances and sensitivity to sound or light. Migraines are also typically more debilitating and longer lasting than regular headaches.</p> <p>Up to 20% of the U.S. population will experience a migraine at some point in their life. Up to two-thirds of those who suffer from migraines are women.</p> <p>Here are the basic differences between migraines and headaches:</p> <ul> <li>Migraines are a type of headache</li> <li>Migraines are neurological disorders</li> <li>Migraines generally present themselves in a localized region of the head, while headaches occur more generally in the head area</li> <li>Migraines are typically more debilitating than headaches</li> <li>Migraines may involve other symptoms unrelated to pain in the head</li> </ul> <p>Now that we have a basic understanding of what makes headaches and migraines different, let’s quickly cover the <strong>four common migraine stages</strong>.</p> <h2><strong><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-715" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/migraine-relief-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-scaled-e1607387500311.webp" alt="Wood figure with a wrench pushing against its head causing a migraine" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/migraine-relief-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-scaled-e1607387500311.webp 800w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/migraine-relief-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-scaled-e1607387500311-300x200.webp 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/migraine-relief-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-scaled-e1607387500311-768x512.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />The Four Stages of Migraines and Their Symptoms</strong></h2> <p>There are four recognized stages of a migraine headache. Not all patients experience all stages. In this section, we’ll cover each migraine stage to help you get a better understanding of this condition.</p> <h3>Migraine First Stage: Prodrome</h3> <p>The prodrome stage occurs 1-2 days before a migraine. Some of the symptoms experienced during this stage are:</p> <ul> <li>Constipation</li> <li>Depression</li> <li>Increased food cravings</li> <li>Neck tightness and stiffness</li> <li>Increased thirst and urination</li> <li>Aura symptoms</li> </ul> <h3>Migraine Second Stage: Aura</h3> <p>Most of our San Diego patients do not experience an aura. Auras are neurological visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or wavy, zigzag vision. Sometimes auras can also be touching sensations (sensory), movement (motor) or speech (verbal) disturbances. Your muscles may get weak, or you may feel as though someone is touching you. Each of these symptoms begins gradually and builds up over several minutes up to an hour.</p> <p>Examples of aura are:</p> <ul> <li>Visual disturbances such as flashes of light or bright spots</li> <li>Vision loss</li> <li>Pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg</li> <li>Numbness or weakness in the face or one side of the body</li> <li>Difficulty speaking</li> <li>Hearing music or noises</li> <li>Uncontrollable jerking movements</li> </ul> <h3>Migraine Third Stage: Migraine Attack</h3> <p>A migraine usually lasts between 4 to 72 hours, and the frequency of attacks varies greatly. Attack symptoms are:</p> <ul> <li>Pain on one side or both sides of your head</li> <li>Pain that feels throbbing or pulsing</li> <li>Sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes smells and touch</li> <li>Nausea and vomiting</li> <li>Blurred vision</li> <li>Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting</li> </ul> <h3>Migraine Fourth Stage: Post-drome</h3> <p>The final phase is post-drome, and occurs after a migraine attack. Patients feel exhausted, washed out and drained. For the following 24 hours, the following symptoms may occur:</p> <ul> <li>Confusion</li> <li>Dizziness</li> <li>Moodiness</li> <li>Weakness</li> <li>Sensitivity to light and sound</li> </ul> <p>To wrap up, let’s quickly cover what causes migraines and how to find relief, including links to resources elsewhere on the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic website</a>.</p> <h4><strong>What Causes Migraines</strong></h4> <p>Although severe migraines may be caused by many different factors, scientists do not know exactly why migraines occur. It is believed that the pain is associated with blood vessel swelling and irritation to the nerves that surround the brain.</p> <p>However, most experts don’t believe that these are direct causes of migraines. The brain does not have pain receptors, but it does have pain processing centers. It is believed that these centers or networks are hypersensitive or dysfunctional such as with chiari malfunction.</p> <h4><strong>Migraine Relief</strong></h4> <p>A recent clinical study, Effect of Atlas Vertebrae Realignment in Subjects with Migraine: An Observational Pilot Study<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4689902/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Effect of Atlas Vertebrae Realignment in Subjects with Migraine: An Observational Pilot Study</a>, states that “atlas realignment intervention may be associated with a reduction in migraine frequency and marked improvement in quality of life yielding significant reduction in headache-related disability.”</p> <p>The full journal article is available through BioMed Research International. NUCCA doctors specialize in adjusting the top bone in the neck, also known as atlas. You can learn more about <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/chronic-migraines-help-without-drugs-or-surgery/">NUCCA chiropractic care for migraine treatment at our blog</a>.</p> <p>Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/migraines-headaches-difference/">Migraine vs Headache: What is the Difference?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Chronic Migraine Treatment: Help Without Drugs or Surgery</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/chronic-migraines-help-without-drugs-or-surgery/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:07:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=749</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Chronic migraines can be debilitating. There’s no predicting when an intense migraine will strike and if it comes at the wrong time, it can destroy productivity and enjoyment. People who...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/chronic-migraines-help-without-drugs-or-surgery/">Chronic Migraine Treatment: Help Without Drugs or Surgery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chronic migraines can be debilitating. There’s no predicting when an intense migraine will strike and if it comes at the wrong time, it can destroy productivity and enjoyment.</p> <p>People who have been suffering from regular and persistent migraines are eager for help. But the best treatments for chronic migraines aren’t always clear. And every treatment is not always the right treatment person to person.</p> <p>Before taking any drugs or even considering surgery, non-surgical interventions should be examined. In this blog post, we’ll cover a <strong>drug-free and non-surgical chronic migraine treatment</strong> to consider. If you are someone who suffers from this type of headache, keep reading to find help!</p> <p>First, let’s start with the basics before getting into <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">the drug-free and non-surgical chronic migraine treatment</a> we recommend.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-397" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870.webp" alt="A woman sits on her bed holding her temples and having a bad headache" width="800" height="534" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870.webp 800w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870-300x200.webp 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intouch-chiropractic-sandiego-ca-headaches-and-migraines-scaled-e1619024735870-768x513.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />What are Chronic Migraines?</h2> <p>The <a href="https://ihs-headache.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>International Headache Society</u></a> defines chronic migraines as more than fifteen headache days per month during a three month period in which more than eight of those days are migrainous, without medication abuse.</p> <p>Got that?</p> <p>That can sound complicated. But really, there are three main factors that, when met, constitute “chronic migraines”:</p> <ol> <li>15+ headaches per month</li> <li>Migraine lasts 4+ hours</li> <li>8+ days with migraine symptoms</li> </ol> <p>If your experience meets all of these characteristics, you are probably suffering from chronic migraines.</p> <p>At the end of the day, you just want migraine relief. You likely don’t really care about the details or specifics if you can’t get out of bed for half of the month! You go from one doctor to the next hoping that the next medication will get you by.</p> <p>Let’s continue on and investigate drug-free and non-surgical chronic migraine treatments that you can explore today.</p> <h2>Chronic Migraine Help Without Drugs or Surgery</h2> <p>At the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic office in Mission Valley of San Diego, CA</a>, we regularly see patients who experience regular, persistent and painful migraines. Many of these patients have tried all of the typical pharmaceutical interventions, but still can’t find relief.</p> <p>It’s no wonder that many patients are skeptical when they set foot in our office. We are usually not your first stop and you have tried every single medication on the market and have had every procedure done. You are frustrated, we understand. We wish we would have met you sooner.</p> <p>One of the main techniques we use at Intouch Chiropractic is called “NUCCA”. NUCCA stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. The techniques involved in NUCCA are much different than the typical chiropractic experience you probably imagine.</p> <p>There is no twisting of your spine, popping or cracking during a <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">NUCCA chiropractic treatment</a>. The adjustments are gentle and light, but the effects are profound.</p> <p>Recent research supports what we see in our office every day: happy, symptom-free, former chronic patients. Once under care, patients always ask, “why didn’t my doctor tell me about NUCCA and chiropractic?” It’s true! NUCCA helps thousands of patients nationwide just like you overcome chronic and severe migraines once and for all. We are happy to help one patient at a time.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-251 size-full" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/it-nucca-1.jpg" alt="San Diego Chiropractor Dr. Devin Young performing a NUCCA adjustment on a patient" width="938" height="688" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/it-nucca-1.jpg 938w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/it-nucca-1-300x220.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/it-nucca-1-768x563.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px" /></p> <p><strong>So, how does NUCCA help migraines?</strong></p> <h3>NUCCA Chiropractic and Chronic Migraines</h3> <p>Oftentimes, the cause of chronic migraine headaches has to do with a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. Misalignments in the top of the spine can disrupt the body, reducing blood flow and putting pressure on the nervous system.</p> <p>The core aim of NUCCA is to realign the upper cervical spine and allow these bodily processes and systems to function better. By restoring blood flow, reducing nerve irritation and alleviating muscle tension, NUCCA is a proven method for treating migraines.</p> <p>And the evidence isn’t just anecdotal!</p> <p><a href="https://nucca.org/chronic-migraine-sufferers-find-significant-improvement-nucca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>Clinical studies also prove this out</u></a>, showing a reduction in migraine symptoms for patients who have undergone a NUCCA adjustment.</p> <blockquote><p>“<em>Dr. Young and his staff have been wonderful. After my first visit I was actually pleasantly surprised to not have a screaming headache at the end of the day. Such an amazing experience to get some help without taking meds that have harmful effects in the long run, something I really appreciate. Don’t get me wrong, meds have their place and I’m an advocate for making sure to follow doctor’s orders. However, I wanted to see if I could be helped with appropriate adjustments before adding meds or surgery to my needs. I know my body has a good system to heal, it sometimes just needs a reminder. Dr. Young and his team helped to remind my body to help itself get stronger</em>.” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/VuK7SJw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Becky W.</a></p></blockquote> <h2>Chronic Migraines and Getting Help</h2> <p>One of the primary obstacles we have seen is that patients just learn to live with their chronic migraines. They believe they have tried everything already. Sometimes, it has become part of their identity.</p> <p>It’s cliche, but don’t give up! You haven’t tried everything until you have tried NUCCA Upper Cervical Care.</p> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, our doctors get excellent results with chronic patients consistently. Wouldn’t you like to have your life back? To be able to do simple things like play with your kids? Go to work or out to dinner with your friends<a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">? Give us a call and set-up an appointment today</a>. You aren’t your diagnosis. <strong>Get your life back!</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/chronic-migraines-help-without-drugs-or-surgery/">Chronic Migraine Treatment: Help Without Drugs or Surgery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:24:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=636</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons a person might begin looking for a qualified chiropractor to visit. So if you’ve ever wondered, “what conditions does a chiropractor treat?“, you’re not alone! At...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/">3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons a person might begin looking for a qualified chiropractor to visit. So if you’ve ever wondered, “<strong>what conditions does a chiropractor treat?</strong>“, you’re not alone!</p> <p>At <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in Mission Valley of San Diego, CA</a>, our chiropractors are trained to treat a variety of conditions. However, one of the things we love about chiropractic is that we truly see the patient holistically. At Intouch Chiropractic, we don’t believe patients just have a knee problem, or a neck problem, or a headache and back pain problem. We can’t tell you how many times patients say, “wow, I’m sleeping through the night” or “I don’t have acid reflux anymore.”</p> <p>We always smile when we hear these comments, because oftentimes patients only tell us about the <strong>three common conditions San Diego Chiropractors help</strong>. In this blog post, we’ll cover those 3 main conditions that chiropractors treat and then wrap up by quickly highlighting a variety of other health concerns that chiropractic adjustments are good for!</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3066" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-768x1024.jpg" alt="San Diego chiropractor Dr. Devin Young works with a patient experiencing neck pain" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />3 Common Conditions for Chiropractic Care</h2> <p>Many of our patients only talk to us about the top 3 conditions we see in our office: back pain, neck pain, and sports performance. Let’s cover each one of these conditions, starting with <strong>back pain</strong>.</p> <h3>Back Pain Chiropractic Adjustments</h3> <p>Over 80% of people will experience low back pain. At Intouch Chiropractic, we have tremendous success with treating this common condition even when we don’t adjust your low back. We have extensive training in this area unlike most healthcare professionals.</p> <p>The standard of care when you see a general medical doctor is a pain killer and a muscle relaxant. These medications can be helpful, but ultimately don’t treat the cause of the problem. They simply mask the pain signals going from your low back to your brain. The pain is still there, but your brain simply doesn’t register it anymore. One patient seeking care after being fed up with pain killers says “all my doubts are gone“, chiropractic care gave her relief from her back pain!</p> <blockquote><p><em>“I was struggling with lower back weakness and pain until I learned of spinal decompression. I was able to do a 2 week vacation recently with none of my original issues! Both Drs at Intouch are great!” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/Xay1Auw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Back Pain Review by Robin K.</a></em></p></blockquote> <p>Lower back pain is the number one reasons for workers’ compensation and disability claims, and the costs are massive. Fifty ($50) billion to be exact! If this is you, seeking the care of a chiropractor may be just what you need to get back to normal.</p> <p>For more information on chiropractic care and back pain, here are two relevant blog posts to learn more:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/the-best-sleep-positions-for-your-back/">What are the Best Sleep Positions for Your Back?</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/non-surgical-spinal-decompression-vs-back-surgery-exploring-non-invasive-options/">Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression vs Back Surgery</a></li> </ul> <p>One of the next most common reasons patients come to our office is <strong>neck pain</strong>.</p> <h3>Neck Pain Chiropractic Adjustments</h3> <p>Neck pain affects many people. This can be due to micro-traumas from poor ergonomics, poor posture, extensive screen time, funky sleeping positions or self-manipulation. It can also be caused by macro-traumas such as a slip and fall, car accident, sports injury, or work accident. The neck is a fragile part of our bodies with many jobs. Whether you have acute neck pain or chronic neck pain, we can help!</p> <blockquote><p><em>“I’ve been suffering with neck and shoulder pain for years. I’ve tried massages, acupuncture, physical therapy and everything just gave me temporary relief for a day. I knew when I met Dr. Young, that this is what I’ve been looking for. At the end of 20 weeks, I can honestly say that my chronic, daily pain is completely gone. The staff is incredibly friendly and they are always on time. Here, I felt like there was a complete understanding of my core issues and that they had a game plan to address those issues. You don’t find this level of care anywhere. I highly recommend!!” <a href="https://g.co/kgs/USgLvL1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Neck Pain Review by Frank A.</a></em></p></blockquote> <p>All signals traveling to and from the brain must travel through your neck. That means that even a nerve impulse from your brain to your left big toe must pass through your neck. This is why it’s common for paramedics to place a cervical collar on a patient at the scene of any accident. They want to make sure everything is a-ok before they let you walk around.</p> <p>You even see this every Sunday on the field as football players are placed on stretchers. They do this to lessen the likelihood of permanent damage to the neck which can have a huge impact on body function.</p> <p>Which takes us to another common condition that leads people to seek chiropractic care: <strong>sports injuries</strong>.</p> <h3>Chiropractic Care for Sport Injuries</h3> <p>We see many athletes in our office, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Muscle imbalances, poor biomechanics, improper form, and poor conditioning can have a huge impact on sports performance.</p> <p>For the majority of our active patients, they want to continue to run, golf, hike, do crossfit… you name it. And to do so in top shape, without pain or discomfort. By scheduling a consultation with our team of expert San Diego chiropractors, we can get a better idea of your sports injury and come up with the perfect treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs.</p> <h2>Chiropractic Care and Common Conditions Overview</h2> <p>Whether it’s pain in your neck or chronic pain in your knee, seeking the professional help of a chiropractor may be a positive step forward in your healing journey. But the three common conditions we’ve listed above are not the only reason we see patients!</p> <p>In addition to neck pain, back pain and sports injuries, here are some of the other common conditions that chiropractors can bring pain relief to:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">Migraines</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/herniated-bulging-discs/">Herniated and bulging discs</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/tmj-disorders/">TMJ</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/pinched-nerve/">Pinched nerves</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/sciatica/">Sciatica</a></li> <li>And more</li> </ul> <p>You can view more <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/">conditions that our team at Intouch Chiropractic regularly treats</a> on our website. If you are ready to begin your healing journey and work with us to relieve pain, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation</a> today!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/">3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Headaches 101: Exploring the Types, Causes and Headache Treatments</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/headache-relief/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 01 Feb 2025 19:30:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Upper Cervical Care]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=437</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Chronic headaches can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. Throbbing pain in any area of the head makes it difficult to focus and simple tasks become difficult ones....</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/headache-relief/">Headaches 101: Exploring the Types, Causes and Headache Treatments</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chronic headaches can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. Throbbing pain in any area of the head makes it difficult to focus and simple tasks become difficult ones.</p> <p>If you or someone you know suffers from chronic headaches and are looking for answers, you’re in the right place.</p> <p>In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about headaches including the different types of headaches, what causes headaches, and finally, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/headaches/">headache treatments</a> you can seek.</p> <p>First, let’s begin with <strong>what actually causes headaches</strong> to occur.</p> <h2>Causes of a Headache</h2> <p>The causes of a headache vary greatly. Anything from a simple cold or toothache can cause a headache. Or it could be something more serious like a brain tumor or meningitis. By far, headaches are one of the most common reasons why people go to the doctor. According to The American Journal of Managed Care, nearly 1 in 6 Americans suffer from either episodic migraines or severe headaches every three months.</p> <p>A headache is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Help! Thankfully, at <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego</a>, we have answers for patients that are tired of taking medications just to be able to get to work or drop off their kids at school. Plus, taking pain killers requires increased doses to have the same desired effect over time. This a lose-lose situation.</p> <p>It’s not uncommon for us to meet patients for the first time and hear that they take over-the-counter painkillers daily. Honestly, that’s horrible. Painkillers are not designed to be taken on a daily basis. We don’t blame these patients, they simply don’t know what else to do to get headache relief. Unfortunately, this relief never lasts and is only temporary. It’s like putting a band-aid on a check engine light.</p> <p>Fortunately, 95% of headaches are not life threatening and are considered benign. The majority of headaches are classified as tension headaches. The second most common is a sinus headache.</p> <p>In the next, let’s cover the main types of headaches before ending with treatment options for people who suffer from chronic painful headaches.</p> <div id="attachment_2205" style="width: 927px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2205" class="wp-image-2205 size-large" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-917x1024.jpg" alt="San Diego Chiropractor Dr. Devin Young performs adjustments for headache treatment on a patient" width="917" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-917x1024.jpg 917w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-269x300.jpg 269w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-768x858.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-1375x1536.jpg 1375w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california-1833x2048.jpg 1833w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/patient-chiro-care-intouch-chiropractic-california.jpg 1903w" sizes="(max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2205" class="wp-caption-text">San Diego Chiropractor Dr. Devin Young performs adjustments for headache treatment on a patient</p></div> <h2>The 6 Main Types of Headaches</h2> <p>Quickly, let’s give some detail to each of the main headache types. After this list, we’ll go into more detail on three of the more common headache types.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Tension Headaches</strong>: These are the most common type of headaches. They often feel like a tight band around your head and are caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.</li> <li><strong>Migraines</strong>: Migraines are more severe and often come with throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days. If you are suffering from this headache type, learn <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">how the Intouch Chiropractic team treats migraines</a>.</li> <li><strong>Cluster Headaches</strong>: Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful. They come in clusters, meaning you get several headaches in a short period of time, followed by headache-free periods.</li> <li><strong>Sinus Headaches</strong>: These are caused by sinus infections or allergies and often come with facial pain and pressure around the sinuses.</li> <li><strong>Rebound Headaches</strong>: Sometimes, overusing pain medications can lead to rebound headaches, which occur when the medication wears off.</li> <li><strong>Hormone-related Headaches</strong>: These are linked to hormonal changes, often occurring in women during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.</li> </ol> <p>Now, let’s go into more detail on three of these types including tension headaches, sinus headaches and cluster headaches.</p> <h3>Tension Headaches</h3> <p>Tension headaches are usually caused by muscle contractions in your head, neck and shoulder muscles. They are one of the most common headaches experienced by adults and are often caused by “emotional stress” that leads to stiffness in your muscles and joints. They are also known as stress headaches.</p> <p>There are 2 types of tension headaches. <strong>Episodic tension headaches</strong> happen less than 15 days per month, while <strong>chronic tension headaches</strong> happen more than 15 days per month. Although these headaches are common, they are not normal. That is way too many headaches!</p> <p>The most common symptoms for tension headaches are:</p> <ul> <li>A headache that starts later in the day</li> <li>Insomnia</li> <li>Irritability</li> <li>Feeling very tired</li> <li>Trouble focusing</li> <li>Achy muscles</li> </ul> <p>These headaches typically begin slowly and increase gradually in intensity in the middle of the day. You feel like you have a tight band squeezing your head with a continuous dull ache on both sides, and pain that wraps around to your neck or from your neck.</p> <p>These types of headaches, if not properly treated, can lead to a vicious circle of more muscular tension leading to more intense headaches making it difficult to get tension headache relief.</p> <p>At our San Diego office, we regularly treat people who suffer from tension type headaches. Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate tension headaches by restoring proper alignment of your spine and at the same time releasing the built-up tension in your muscles.</p> <h3>Sinus Headaches</h3> <p>Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside of your cheekbones, under the the bridge of your nose, and your forehead. When your sinuses get irritated, they make more mucus, swell and get stuffed up. This build-up of pressure causes head pain.</p> <p>It’s important to <strong>differentiate between sinus headaches and migraines</strong>, as they have several similarities:</p> <ol> <li>Both have moderate to severe headache as a symptom.</li> <li>Changes in weather can trigger both conditions.</li> <li>Facial pressure can present with both migraines and sinus headaches.</li> </ol> <p>Because of the location of the sinuses, pain below or above the eyes is a tale-tell sign of a sinus headache. Unless you have an active sinus infection, we don’t recommend taking antibiotics. Especially because many sinus headaches are actually migraines that have been misdiagnosed.</p> <p>Proper diagnosis ensures that you get sinus headache relief. Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and digestive issues. Keep in mind that other migraine symptoms are clear nasal drainage, nausea, visual disturbances, and sensory sensitivity.</p> <h3>Cluster Headaches</h3> <p>Cluster headaches get their name from the cyclical pattern in which they happen. It’s very common for patients to say that the pain wakes them up in the middle of the night, with severe pain near one eye or one side of their head. Cluster periods can last from weeks to several months. A period of remission lasting months to years usually follows.</p> <p>The good news is that cluster headaches are rare and typically not life-threatening. Unlike migraine patients, people with cluster headaches feel restless and will pace back and forth. If light sensitivity or sound sensitivity is felt, it is typically only experienced on one side of the face. A single episode can last from 15 minutes to several hours, and often happen at the same time of day. Once the cluster headache clears, patients are pain-free but feel worn out.</p> <p>Now that we’ve covered the main types of headaches, let’s wrap up this Headache 101 blog post with information on headache treatment.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2208" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-768x1024.jpg" alt="Dr. Jeanett Tapia working with a San Diego patient experiencing bulging / herniated disc pain" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />How to Treat Chronic Headaches</h2> <p>Taking aspirin for a headache is common, but it merely masks the pain. The pain does not go away! It is still there, you just don’t feel it because the pain messages are being blocked. Sometimes taking medication is inevitable, but it’s not a long term solution. Our doctors provide headache relief for many types of headaches, such as tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches and more.</p> <p>First, let’s discuss when emergency care for headache disorders is recommended.</p> <h3>When to Seek Emergency Care for Headaches</h3> <p>We recommend you seek emergency care if you experience any of these signs and symptoms:</p> <ul> <li>A severe, abrupt headache, often like a thunderclap</li> <li>A headache with fever, vomiting or nausea, mental confusion, seizures, numbness, or difficulty speaking</li> <li>A headache after an injury to the head, even if you consider it to be a minor injury, and especially if it worsens</li> <li>A sudden and severe headache, described as the worse headache of your life</li> <li>A headache that changes in pattern and worsens over days</li> </ul> <p>Headache pain, even when intense , typically isn’t due to disease. However, it’s important to see your doctor if your headaches suddenly feel different. Rare but severe conditions, such as brain tumors and meningitis, need to be ruled out.</p> <p>Now, for those who are suffering from headaches that don’t require emergency care, here are treatment options that don’t involve taking pain killers or other medications.</p> <h3>NUCCA Spinal Care Provides Headache Relief</h3> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) is an upper cervical chiropractic technique</a> that does not require any popping, cracking or twisting of your neck or spine. Patients love that it is a low force technique. The amount of pressure used during the adjustment is the same amount of pressure used to take your pulse. It feels like a gentle touch behind your ear.</p> <p>The upper neck is adjusted only when needed, with the ultimate goal of not needing an adjustment at all. We call this “holding” your adjustment. Many of our patients come in, get checked, and walk out without needing an adjustment. Our ultimate goal is for your body to get stronger over time, and need less intervention from our doctors.</p> <p>When atlas, the first bone in the neck, is misaligned it can put mechanical pressure on spinal nerves and blood vessels. An atlas misalignment can cause muscle spasms and inflammation to the head and neck. This can make a patient more likely to suffer from chronic headaches. Poor posture, text neck, poor ergonomics and even dehydration can all contribute to the frequency of headaches. The NUCCA care for headaches you receive in our office is based on analysis of your unique x-rays.</p> <h3>How Upper Cervical Care Helps the Different Headache Types</h3> <p>Here is how NUCCA care helps treat the different headache types we discussed earlier.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Tension Headaches</strong>: Misalignments in the upper neck can contribute to muscle tension and poor posture, leading to tension headaches. Upper cervical adjustments can correct these misalignments, relieving tension and reducing the frequency and severity of these headaches.</li> <li><strong>Migraines</strong>: Migraines are often linked to nerve irritation or inflammation. Upper cervical care can help by reducing the pressure on nerves caused by misalignments, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of migraines.</li> <li><strong>Cluster Headaches</strong>: While the exact cause of cluster headaches is still not fully understood, upper cervical adjustments can improve overall nerve function, potentially helping to reduce the frequency and severity of these intense headaches.</li> <li><strong>Sinus Headaches</strong>: Misalignments in the upper neck can affect blood flow and drainage in the sinuses, leading to sinus headaches. Upper cervical care can help improve blood flow and drainage, reducing sinus-related headaches.</li> <li><strong>Rebound Headaches</strong>: Overuse of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches. Upper cervical care focuses on addressing the root cause of headaches rather than masking the pain with medications, helping to break the cycle of rebound headaches.</li> <li><strong>Hormone-related Headaches</strong>: Hormonal changes can cause headaches. NUCCA adjustments can help maintain proper body alignment improving overall body function.</li> </ol> <h3>Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care</h3> <p>Upper cervical chiropractic care offers several potential benefits for patients suffering from headaches, particularly those related to misalignments in the upper neck. Here are some of the key benefits:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Non-Invasive Treatment:</strong> Upper cervical care is gentle and doesn’t involve surgery or medication, making it a safe and non-invasive option for headache relief.</li> <li><strong>Customized Adjustments: </strong>Each person’s upper cervical misalignment is unique, so treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs.</li> <li><strong>Long-lasting Relief: </strong>By addressing the underlying cause of headaches, upper cervical care aims to provide long-lasting relief, reducing the need for frequent medication.</li> <li><strong>Improved Quality of Life: </strong>Fewer headaches mean improved overall quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities without the constant worry of pain.</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">Learn more about NUCCA chiropractic care with Intouch Chiropractic.</a></p> <blockquote><p><em>“I’ve been going to Intouch Chiropractic for a better part of this last year, and after 10 years of different conventional Chriropractor treatments, my migraines went away completely within 2 weeks of NUCCA treatment. I’d been suffering for migraines for 17 years and have tried everything. Im thankful for more pain free days, it was a great upfront investment but when you’re in chronic pain 4-5 days a week, you’ll pay almost anything to try to get better. I’m glad I chose this office.”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/gTu7fBp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Migraine Treatment Review by Emilia F.</a></p></blockquote> <h2>Headache 101 in Review</h2> <p>In review, headache disorders can feel debilitating, however there is help! Regardless of the headache type you are suffering from, a non-invasive treatment option like NUCCA care is worth exploring. If you are in the San Diego area and eager to begin a <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/headaches/">treatment plan for your headaches</a>, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation with our office today</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/headache-relief/">Headaches 101: Exploring the Types, Causes and Headache Treatments</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Is Sitting All Day Bad for You?</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/10-harmful-things-sitting/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:25:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=701</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/10-harmful-things-sitting/">Is Sitting All Day Bad for You?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6aa3eb73a7af2" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>In the 21st century, jobs that require us to sit in front of computers for eight hours a day are commonplace. Whether you hold one of these types of jobs, or find yourself sitting for long periods of time anyway, you may have wondered… <strong>is sitting all day bad for you?</strong></p> <p>Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental to health, and can cause health problems ranging from vascular disease to physical injury and/or pain.</p> <p>In this blog post, the expert team at <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic</a> will weigh in on this question and provide tips on how to better integrate motion into a normal day of sitting.</p> <p>First, let’s answer the question that brought you here.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-776" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman sits at her laptop clenching her neck in pain on either side with her hands" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980-300x200.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980-768x512.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980-900x600.jpg 900w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/istock-1317232980.jpg 1254w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Is Sitting Down All Day Bad for Health?</h2> <p><strong>The short answer is yes, sitting all day is bad for health.</strong> The human body was not designed for such prolonged periods of sitting, and so it logically follows that too much sitting may have harmful effects on health.</p> <p>There are a wide variety of potential health issues one might experience from a sedentary lifestyle of constantly sitting and no movement. Many of the patients we see at our San Diego office come in to seek <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/">chiropractic treatment on their neck and/or back</a> as a result of years and years of sitting all day at work. Too much time behind a desk has far worse consequences for our health, performance, and energy than we ever thought!</p> <p>Sitting is so common in our society, that at some point, some even called it the “new smoking.” Ouch. Not sure if that is an accurate comparison, but prolonged sitting does have some pretty serious consequences. While we’re seated, a lot of changes happen.</p> <p><strong>Here are 10 of the most common health issues that happen from such prolonged sitting:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Blood sugar rises</li> <li>Muscles become tighter</li> <li>Metabolism slows down</li> <li>Blood flow to the heart slows</li> <li>Hormonal changes occur</li> <li>Heart disease and diabetes risk increase</li> <li>Lower back pressure increases</li> <li>Posture is compromised</li> <li>Back and spine injuries can increase</li> <li>Chronic pain may set in</li> </ol> <p>Although we may not be able to eliminate sitting altogether, we can certainly minimize it. We do our best to keep our bodies moving throughout the day to make sure we are keeping our spines and bodies healthy.</p> <p>There are a few simple things you can integrate into your daily routine to make sure that you don’t spend the entire day in a seated position. Here are some of the top recommendations from the team at Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego.</p> <h2>4 Tips for Integrating Movement Into a Day of Sitting</h2> <p>There are a countless number of small changes you can make to ensure you are getting even a little physical activity during a normal day that requires you to sit for hours.</p> <p>Here are four extremely easy ways to break up sedentary behavior with physical activity that will have positive effects on posture, heart and physical health, and your mental well being.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Drink more water</strong>. Making it a point to drink more water during a typical day is a good hack for introducing more movement into your day. Not only will you have to continue getting up to refill your cup or water bottle, but it will also increase the frequency of bathroom trips during your day. So, drink more water and move around more!</li> <li><strong>Take phone calls or meetings while walking.</strong> If you regularly have meetings or phone calls you need to join during your work day, use that time to get up and walk around. And if you have in-person meetings with coworkers, propose that some of them be done while walking!</li> <li><strong>Get a standing desk. </strong><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/standing-desk-benefits/">Standing desks</a> are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to break up periods of sitting. Some of the best standing desks allow you to program in different preset heights, making it extremely easy to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.</li> <li><strong>Explore the Pomodoro Technique. </strong>One of the best hacks for breaking up excessive sitting is also one of the best hacks for increasing productivity! <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pomodoro Technique</a> is a time management strategy that introduces periods of rest in between periods of focus. Try a <a href="https://pomofocus.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pomodoro Timer</a> and during the rest periods, get outside and walk around in the sun!</li> </ul> <p>And, of course, if you have a pet you can take it for a few short walks in the day – they’ll love it!</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“The entire team here is incredible. They are extremely accommodating and the therapy has allowed me to live more pain-free. I highly recommend!!” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/hkSyXgn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Scott K.</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h2>The Health Effects of Sitting All Day, in Conclusion</h2> <p>Unfortunately, sitting is an unavoidable necessity of life in modern society. But, life doesn’t have to be complicated! Make a few changes to your routine to minimize the hours of sitting at work, in the car, or at home.</p> <p>Your back will thank you for it years down the road!</p> <p>And if you are struggling from health issues as a result of too much sitting, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">contact Intouch Chiropractic today</a>. Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/10-harmful-things-sitting/">Is Sitting All Day Bad for You?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Ménière’s Disease: Exploring the Stages and Chiropractic Solutions</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2025 13:59:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Upper Cervical Care]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=629</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease/">Ménière’s Disease: Exploring the Stages and Chiropractic Solutions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6aa3eb73a860f" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing, often causing debilitating symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. While the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed to involve abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear. For those living with Ménière’s, the condition can significantly impact daily life.</p> <p>In this blog, we’ll explore the different stages of Ménière’s disease, from early symptoms to advanced stages. We’ll also delve into how chiropractic care can offer potential solutions to help manage and alleviate these symptoms. At <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, California</a> we have seen people experience significant health improvements as a result of our therapies.</p> <p>By understanding both the progression of the disease and available treatment options, individuals with Ménière’s can find hope and strategies to improve their quality of life.</p> <p>First, let’s start by covering <strong>how Ménière’s and spinal health are related</strong>.</p> <h2>Ménière’s Disease and Atlas Subluxation</h2> <p>There are 7 bones in the human neck. These seven cervical vertebrae are labeled C1 – C7. The head sits directly on top of the vertebra called the “atlas”, also known as C1.</p> <p>Atlas is the first bone in your neck and is the main point of contact between the skull and the spine. This is no easy job! The human head weighs between 10-15 pounds, and it sits on top of C1, which weighs about 2 ounces. When head trauma occurs, atlas can get knocked out of place. This causes an atlas subluxation, which puts pressure on the brainstem.</p> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-is-a-subluxation/">Learn more about what a subluxation is at our blog</a>!</p> <p>The base of the brain, or brainstem, controls all important bodily functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, sleep, digestion and balance.</p> <p>If you are experiencing atlas subluxation, the weight of your head is not balanced evenly over your neck. The rest of your body compensates. A shoulder might drop. Or one hip comes up, pulling up on the leg and creating body imbalance and an abnormal gait. This causes interference at the point where your head and neck join (the atlas).</p> <p>If the atlas is out of its proper alignment, it can constrict, irritate or disrupt vital nerve signals. This causes joint or muscle pain, a lowered immune system, organ dysfunction and many other conditions.</p> <p>However, you may not necessarily connect these conditions with your neck, including the symptoms of Ménière’s disease.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-449" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/subluxation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-ca.webp" alt="Misaligned brain and spine" width="403" height="561" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/subluxation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-ca.webp 403w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/subluxation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-ca-216x300.webp 216w" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" />Next, let’s explore exactly <strong>how this misalignment between the skull and the spine is related to Ménière’s disease</strong>.</p> <h3>What Does Atlas Subluxation Have to Do with Ménière’s Disease?</h3> <p>Ménière’s disease is also known as “endolymphatic hydrops.” Endolymphatic hydrops is “the accumulation of fluid of the membranous labyrinth of the ear, thought to be caused by the over production or under absorption of that fluid” by the <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear-nose-and-throat-disorders/inner-ear-disorders/meniere-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Merck Manual</a>.</p> <p>Your inner ear consists of two fluids, endolymph and perilymph. These fluids are in separate compartments. “Hydrops” is the medical term for excess fluid. Therefore, endolymphatic hydrops is an excess of endolymph.</p> <p>When your body is working properly, your body produces new endolymph, and reabsorbs an equal amount of old endolymph, thus maintaining an equal endolymphatic pressure. <strong>Ménière’s disease is a build-up of excessive endolymph in the vestibular (balance) portion of the inner ear.</strong> This build-up results in either too much endolymph being produced or not enough endolymph being reabsorbed.</p> <p>So, <em>what does this medical condition have to do with spinal health</em>? Well…</p> <p>Pressure caused by subluxation on a cranial nerve (the vestibulo-cochlear nerve) disrupts your body’s ability to properly regulate endolymphatic pressure. So, the real issue underlying Ménière’s disease isn’t found in your inner ear.</p> <p>Instead, Ménière’s disease is likely related to the misalignment of vertebra C1, also known as an atlas subluxation. If you think you may be suffering from this disease, you can learn more about <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/nucca-doctors-atlas-doctors/">chiropractic care for atlas subluxation</a> at our blog.</p> <p>Next, let’s cover the <strong>four stages of Ménière’s Disease</strong>.</p> <h2>Exploring the Four Stages of Ménière’s Disease</h2> <p>There are typically four stages associated with Ménière’s disease, each with it’s own symptoms. Let’s look at each of them here.</p> <h3>Stage 1: Early Stage</h3> <p>Stage 1 symptoms may not be felt consistently. Instead, many of our patients in this stage of Ménière’s disease that we see at Intouch Chiropractic report these symptoms as appearing sporadically. Symptoms may include:</p> <ul> <li>Vertigo</li> <li>Tinnitus</li> <li>Pressure in the ear</li> <li>Hearing difficulties or loss</li> </ul> <h3>Stage 2: Middle Stage</h3> <p>Patients who have entered stage 2 report symptoms that persist. These symptoms may include:</p> <ul> <li>Longer or more frequent episodes of vertigo</li> <li>Progressive hearing loss</li> <li>Balance problems</li> <li>Other symptoms associated with Stage 1, but more frequently</li> </ul> <h3>Stage 3: Advanced Stage</h3> <p>People suffering from stage 3 of Ménière’s disease suffer from the same symptoms we’ve described above. However, progression into this advanced stage means that those symptoms are chronic and potentially debilitating.</p> <h3>Stage 4: End-Stage</h3> <p>Progression to this stage could mean permanent damage, including permanent hearing loss.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-630" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-nucca-upper-cervical-care.webp" alt="An image breifly describing symptoms of the early, middle and late stages of Meniere's disease" width="845" height="321" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-nucca-upper-cervical-care.webp 845w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-nucca-upper-cervical-care-300x114.webp 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-nucca-upper-cervical-care-768x292.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px" />Now that we’ve covered the essential things to know about Ménière’s disease, let’s explore a type of physical trauma that can lead to this health condition: whiplash.</p> <h2>Ménière’s Disease and Whiplash</h2> <p><strong>Whiplash injuries are often linked to both Ménière’s disease and Trigeminal Neuralgia</strong>. The trauma from a whiplash injury sets the stage. Therefore, it is not uncommon for these two conditions to show up later in life. The symptoms oftentimes show up many years later, and the causal relationship is often missed.</p> <p>Many patients we see at our offices in San Diego think only of one type of trauma as the cause of whiplash: car accidents. This is true, however, whiplash injuries can also happen from any trauma to your head, such as a childhood fall.</p> <p>Dr. Burcon, an upper cervical chiropractor that has had extensive experience in this area, states that half of his Ménière’s patients have been in a vehicle accident. However, the other half had injuries involving head trauma.</p> <p>It is not uncommon for patients to deny a car accident or head trauma during an initial consultation. Patients either forget or think the injury is too minor to be connected.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“The moment you come in, everyone is extremely personable, and I have never felt better. Both Dr. Young and Dr. Tapia are so informative and so patient. I look forward going to each appointment. Thanks a bunch Docs!” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/MTA7PKh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by SDMonitor Business Journal</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h2>Ménière’s Disease and Chiropractic Care, in Conclusion</h2> <p>In conclusion, Ménière’s disease can be a frightening and difficult health issue to deal with. However, there is a way forward! By seeing an expert chiropractor, such as those found at Intouch Chiropractic, you can treat the source of the problem: atlas subluxation.</p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/health-solutions-for-menieres-disease/">Ménière’s Disease: Exploring the Stages and Chiropractic Solutions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct Therapy to Chiropractic Care</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-powerful-synergy-laser-therapy/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:00:31 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Degenerative Disc Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Laser Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sciatica]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=779</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>People seeking comprehensive and effective healthcare options have access to a wide range of therapies. One increasingly popular combination to promote healing and treat chronic pain is the integration of...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-powerful-synergy-laser-therapy/">The Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct Therapy to Chiropractic Care</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People seeking comprehensive and effective healthcare options have access to a wide range of therapies. One increasingly popular combination to promote healing and treat chronic pain is the integration of laser therapy with chiropractic care.</p> <p>Laser therapy, also known as <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/laser-therapy/">low-level laser therapy (LLLT)</a>, is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain. When combined with chiropractic care, it offers a synergistic approach that can deliver remarkable results.</p> <p>At our practice in San Diego, CA, we regularly treat our patients with multiple modalities. Low-level laser therapy is one such modality that many of our patients review our expert team of chiropractors highly for.</p> <p>So, <strong>what are the benefits of low-level laser treatment?</strong></p> <p>In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of laser therapy as an adjunct therapy to chiropractic care.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2263" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-768x1024.jpg" alt="A female patient undergoes low-level laser therapy on her neck" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/neck-pain-cold-laser-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />4 Main Low-Level Laser Therapy Benefits Explained</h2> <p>Below are four of the main benefits our patients have experienced when they undergo this treatment at Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, California.</p> <h3>1. Enhanced Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation</h3> <p>Both chiropractic care and laser therapy aim to <strong>alleviate pain and inflammation</strong>, making them an excellent complementary pair.</p> <p>Our doctors focus on spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment and nerve function, while laser therapy targets damaged tissues and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes. By combining these two therapies, our patients in San Diego experience enhanced pain relief and a reduction in inflammation.</p> <p>Laser therapy promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, while also increasing blood circulation and reducing swelling. This powerful synergy often results in quicker recovery times and improved overall well-being.</p> <h3>2. Accelerated Healing and Tissue Regeneration</h3> <p><strong>Laser therapy has proven to be highly effective in stimulating cellular activity and promoting tissue regeneration.</strong> When integrated into chiropractic care at our San Diego office, this therapy can significantly speed up the healing process.</p> <p>Low-level laser light penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulating the mitochondria within cells to produce more energy. This increase in cellular energy promotes accelerated tissue repair, helping patients recover from injuries, strains, or surgical procedures more quickly.</p> <p>Additionally, laser therapy encourages the production of collagen, a crucial protein for tissue regeneration. By utilizing laser therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments, patients can experience a synergistic effect, leading to improved healing outcomes.</p> <h3>3. Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility</h3> <p>Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment, which often leads to increased range of motion and flexibility. When combined with laser therapy, these benefits are further amplified.</p> <p>Laser therapy helps relax muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and decrease scar tissue formation, allowing the body to move more freely. By reducing pain and inflammation, <strong>laser therapy supports chiropractic adjustments, enabling them to be more effective</strong>. The combination of laser therapy and chiropractic care in San Diego empowers patients to regain mobility and flexibility, enhancing their quality of life.</p> <h3>4. Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Treatment</h3> <p>One of the greatest advantages of both laser therapy and chiropractic care is that they are <strong>non-invasive and drug-free treatment options</strong>. In San Diego, where many people prefer natural and holistic approaches to healthcare, this combination is highly sought after.</p> <p>Laser therapy and chiropractic care avoid the risks and potential side effects associated with medications and invasive procedures. Instead, they rely on the body’s innate healing abilities. This makes the integration of laser therapy with chiropractic care an appealing option for those seeking gentle yet effective treatments.</p> <blockquote><p><em>“Dr Tapia, Dr Young and staff are incredibly compassionate, professional and prompt. Most importantly, I have achieved a great deal of relief in my neck and my back with their treatment protocols.” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/bhtqQnC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review from Marie S.</a></em></p></blockquote> <h2>Low-Level Laser Therapy Benefits in Conclusion</h2> <p>The combination of <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/laser-therapy/">laser therapy</a> and chiropractic care at our San Diego office offers a powerful synergy that can provide numerous benefits for patients seeking holistic healthcare solutions.</p> <p>From enhanced pain relief and accelerated healing to increased range of motion and non-invasive treatment, the integration of these therapies showcases remarkable results. By using both chiropractic and laser therapy, our patients achieve optimal well-being.</p> <p>Plus, they can be used on their own with great results.</p> <p>If you’re looking for the latest technology in a chiropractic setting in San Diego, don’t hesitate to <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">contact our clinic</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-powerful-synergy-laser-therapy/">The Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy as an Adjunct Therapy to Chiropractic Care</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What to Do After a Vehicle Accident</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-to-do-after-an-accident/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:58:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Herniated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinched Nerve]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shoulder Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sleep Problems]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Whiplash]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=620</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Getting into a car accident can be terrifying. Whether you find yourself injured or not in the immediate aftermath, making sure your health is good is the most important thing...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-to-do-after-an-accident/">What to Do After a Vehicle Accident</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Getting into a car accident can be terrifying. Whether you find yourself injured or not in the immediate aftermath, making sure your health is good is the most important thing to do after a car accident.</p> <p>In this blog post, we’ll cover car accidents and injury, and how</p> <p><em>This post was written by a guest blogger. Martha de Forest is a dual degree engineer and certified integrative hypnotherapist. She has been married for over 30 years and has raised two daughters.</em></p> <p>About 25 years ago I came upon an accident on a windy mountain road. I had a helpless feeling of not knowing what to do as the second person on the scene. Even though the injuries appeared minor, the situation led me to taking CPR and Advanced First Aid training.</p> <p>My instructor was an experienced EMT who had responded to many accidents on a stretch of road used by the 100MileClub. On that road, motorcyclists would attempt to run a 100 mile mountain course in one hour.</p> <p>On one trip, a cyclist wrecked. When help came he was up and about, talking, and in a bit of a daze. He was asked for his ID and as he turned to reach for his ID, he dropped dead! Yes, this story is definitely a bit dramatic, but this story impressed upon me the dangers of hidden injuries. His neck was broken and he didn’t know it. In fact, it is common for a cervical collar to be placed on an accident victim as a precaution. Just in case!</p> <p>When we get into accidents, it’s easy to downplay our injuries. But that ultimately can work against us. Also, most insurance companies want people to visit their doctor within 48 hours of an accident. This helps rule out whiplash, concussions, fractures, bruising, sprains, strains, facet syndrome etc.</p> <p>The sooner you seek care, the better your health outcomes.</p> <p>It’s common in our workaholic culture to take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication in order to get on with life. However, that may be the very thing that exacerbates any new issues down the road. First, masking pain will give you the impression that your injuries are less severe and don’t need to be addressed. Second, an anti-inflammatory will work against the body’s attempt to stabilize your injury.</p> <p>So, with this in mind, here is a suggested checklist for post-accident care.</p> <h2>What to Do After a Vehicle Accident</h2> <p>If you’ve been in an accident and are wondering what you should do next, here are some suggestions to consider (note that this is not medical advice. We always recommend seeking the help of a professional before pursuing any type of treatment).</p> <ul> <li>See a health professional for an assessment of possible injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or sprains within 48 hours.</li> <li>Drink plenty of water.</li> <li>Get sleep. (If there has been a head injury, follow professional advice!)</li> <li>Eat for optimal healing.</li> <li>Avoid anti-inflammatories and/or painkillers that may mask issues and hamper healing.</li> <li>If anti-inflammatories and/or painkillers are prescribed, be sure to avoid any strenuous activity so the body can heal.</li> </ul> <p>If you or your loved ones are in accident, get checked out right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.</p> <p>For some car accident injuries, the help of a vehicle accident chiropractor may help relieve pain and speed up recovery. To view the main injuries chiropractors treat, like at the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic office in San Diego, CA</a>, view our <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/">list of conditions we treat</a>. You can also view the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/">tools and practices we use to treat patients.</a></p> <p>If you would like to have a consultation as a result of car accident injuries, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation today</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/what-to-do-after-an-accident/">What to Do After a Vehicle Accident</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>