A Villas Resident Asked Me, Dr. Tim Harcourt of Coast Chiropractic Centers in Fort Myers, "Can Seeing You For Chiropractic Care Get Rid Of My Headaches"?
Nov 6, 2021 -- Posted by :Headaches are a very common problem seen in chiropractic offices. They can vary from mild and barely noticeable to extreme, so much so that it results in total disability where a sufferer is restricted to bed rest in a dark, quiet room.
One inexpensive, reliable method to track a patient’s progress is a self-administered test called the “Headache Disability Index” (HDI). This is a 25-question form that the headache sufferer completes and a total score is calculated. In the list of 25 questions, there are three choices for scoring: a “YES” response = 4 points, a “SOMETIMES” response = 2 points, and a “NO” response is not worth any points. The highest possible score = 100 (4 points x 25 questions). When patients present for chiropractic treatment, this method of assessment is often utilized and can be very helpful to determine the effectiveness of the care being provided, especially because of the lack of special assessments that exists for most types of headaches. Here is a list of questions that are included in the HDI:
- E1. Because of my headaches I feel handicapped.
- F2. Because of my headaches I feel restricted in performing my routine daily activities.
- E3. No one understands the effect my headaches have on my life.
- F4. I restrict my recreational activities (e.g. sports, hobbies) because of my headaches.
- E5. My headaches make me angry.
- E6. Sometimes I feel that I am going to lose control because of my headaches.
- F7. Because of my headaches I am less likely to socialize.
- E8. My spouse (significant other), or family and friends have no idea what I am going through because of my headaches.
- E9. My headaches are so bad that I feel I am going to go insane.
- E10. My outlook on the world is affected by my headaches.
- E11. I am afraid to go outside when I feel that a headache is starting.
- E12. I feel desperate because of my headaches.
- F13. I am concerned that I am paying penalties at work or at home because of my headaches.
- E14. My headaches place stress on my relationships with family or friends.
- F15. I avoid being around people when I have a headache.
- F16. I believe my headaches are making it difficult for me to achieve my goals in life.
- F17. I am unable to think clearly because of my headaches.
- F18. I get tense (e.g. muscle tension) because of my headaches.
- F19. I do not enjoy social gatherings because of my headaches.
- E20. I feel irritable because of my headaches.
- F21. I avoid traveling because of my headaches.
- E22. My headaches make me feel confused.
- E23. My headaches make me feel frustrated.
- F24. I find it difficult to read because of my headaches.
- F25. I find it difficult to focus my attention away from my headaches and on other things.
So, if you are experiencing headaches and type in pain management near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my brain or neck.” Also, if you feel arm pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your neck. Some people have a feeling of their “head aching.”
What type of headache is it to include tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraine headaches, sinus headaches, or toxic headaches?
Regardless of the type, it can leave you feeling exhausted fatigued, nauseous, and even depressed. Some get severe pain behind the eyes. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional.
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.