Headaches and Medication.

"After a horrible vehicle accident, I experienced constant headaches and back and neck pain straight for over two years. I tried everything conventional doctors suggested and was very desperate when I came into Franson Family Chiropractic. Like most, I was hesitant about getting adjusted, but the atmosphere, staff and information they provided put me at ease and for that I am grateful. I took a chance that, I say, changed my life. Two months in of regular adjustments my headaches started to cease without any medication. Four months later and I am able to move around more freely with less pain.  Walking into this office did not just give me hope, but the resources, confidence, and support I needed to realize that not even a truck can stop the light source in me."  - A.N.

Symptoms or body signals are our body’s way of telling us that there is a deeper, underlying problem.  A headache, like any symptom, is essentially an alarm bell telling us that we need to take action.  Masking or covering up a symptom may give us temporary relief but it doesn’t correct the actual problem.  In fact it enables us to ignore the real issue as it gets worse over time.

People struggling with headaches will often turn to medication.  Medication, while effective in offering temporary relief, only masks the symptom and can produce serious side effects.

Possible side effects from medications prescribed for headaches can include the following:

nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, liver damage, kidney damage, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, dry mouth, tingling/burning sensations, severe tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, vision problems or even vision loss, muscle weakness, easy bruising, fluid retention, mood swings, weight gain, elevated blood pressure, blood sugar problems, insomnia, artery damage, excessive hair growth, osteoporosis, fatigue, memory problems, muscle twitching, confusion, anxiety, sensitivity to sunlight, leg pain, rash, swelling. 

Oh and there is one more – HEADACHES.

No, that’s not a typing error.  A possible side effect of medication given to stop headaches is headaches.

Seems like quite a bit of risk for something that doesn’t correct what’s causing the issue.   Isn’t it time we stopped chasing symptoms and start pursuing health?

Each month throughout 2013 Franson Family Chiropractic will focus on one specific topic – one condition or symptom – as the “Body Signal” of the month. This month we’re diving in to HEADACHES. You can expect articles, blog posts, special referral tools and a dedicated Advanced Workshop – on that topic. The Body Signals Workshops will be limited to 30 guests.  Our workshop this month is on Wednesday, January 30th at 6:45. RSVP for yourself and your guest on our Facebook Event Page or in our office. Price of admission is 1 guest.  1 life.