Living With

Headaches or Migraines?

Pain
Overview

Common Causes

Risk
Factors

When
to Treat

Tips
to Prevent

Get
Started

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Shawn Parsons

Patient

"The full package. This man has fixed more things with me than I realized were broken. I was “working myself to death”, when I first came here. He took me from a very bad state of health to being very energetic, active, and eliminated my anxiety. He has given me back my life!" -Shawn

Leonie Lamothe

Patient

"Michel Brosseau is an extremely knowlegeable and very competent chiropractor. Éliane the assistant/ receptionist is very welcoming and very accomodating. My husband and I have been patients at McLeod Street Chiropractic for a few hears now and we are very pleased with Michel Brosseau’s treatments and ongoing maintenance ." -Leonie

Michael Smith Dragon

Patient

"Dr Brosseau is kind and professional. He did a thorough assessment of me and sent me for x-rays. X-ray showed that I need surgery. Thus Dr Brosseau doesn't recommend Chiropractic treatment but that I should speak to my family doctor regarding my chronic problem. I appreciate Dr Brosseau giving me his honest professional opinion." -Michael

Jennie May Ellis

Patient

"I've been a patient of Dr. Brosseau's for a bit over a year and I'm so greatful. He has treated the osteoarthritis in my neck along with other spinal and hip alignment issues. It's been fantastic! I have recommended him to members of my family and they've had excellent results too. I go to him regularly now to keep everything in-line and working fine!" -Jennie

Shawn Cook

Patient

"Dr. Brosseau patiently took a digital scan and physical assessment and clearly defined the strategy for treatment. It was agreed that I would receive an adjustment that day and walked out of there feeling better. I returned weekly for subsequent visits. Dr Brosseau is very professional and extremely knowledgeable in many areas of care." -Shawn

Eva Lopéz

Patient

"Went in for a work injury and Dr. Brosseau gave me an adjustment and put my rib back in place. He had me fixed in one visit. Best chiropractic experience. His receptionist Ashley is professional and absolutely lovely." -Eva

Shayne Beausoleil

Patient

"Dr Brosseau cares about his patients and has helped me with many issues." -Shayne

Tammy-lynn Wilcox

Patient

"Dr. Brosseau and Ashley (receptionist) are both very professional, and personable. You are greeted with smiles and friendly conversation each visit. Dr. B makes you feel very comfortable with his knowledge-base, taking time to answer questions as they present. While also keeping you on your toes, by laughing (or shaking your head with a smirk) at his quirky jokes." -Tammy-lynn

Miss. Doll

Patient

"Friendly staff. If you have any kind of pain, the doctor will do his best to help relieve it. I’ve only had one adjustment and I feel the results already!!!" - Miss. Doll

Susanne Buott

Patient

"He is honest, dedicated, knowledgeable and professional with a witty sense of humor that brightens every visit. The receptionist is also very friendly and personable and the office has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I drive all the way out from Chelmsford twice a week for my visits and it is definitely worth it!" -Susanne

96.5% Patient Satisfaction

Get Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting Relief from Headaches & Migraines

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Headache or Migraines Overview

Nearly 4.5 million Canadians experience headache pain each year, with more than 12% suffering from chronic headaches for 15 days or more each month. At Mcleod Street Chiropractic, we recognize the debilitating nature of these conditions and are dedicated to providing solutions that alleviate pain and reduce its occurrence.

Is Your Pain Chronic?

Doctors categorize pain in these three ways:

Acute Neck Pain: Sudden, lasting a few days to weeks.
Subacute Neck Pain: Persistent, lasting up to 12 weeks.
Chronic Neck Pain: Ongoing, altering daily life, lasting beyond 12 weeks.

Types of Headaches & Migraines

The nature of headaches and migraines can vary greatly. Identifying the type is crucial for effective treatment.

Tension Headaches: The most common form, characterized by a dull, aching sensation across the forehead or back of the head and neck.
Migraines: Often severe and debilitating, migraines can cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
Cluster Headaches: Extremely painful headaches that occur in groups or cycles. They are marked by intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye.
Sinus Headaches: Often confused with migraines, these are caused by a sinus infection and include pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Medication Overuse Headaches: Caused by frequent use of headache medication, which can lead to rebound headaches.

Common Causes of Headaches and Migraines

Dr. Michael Brosseau can identify the source of your headache pain and determine a course of treatment to provide lasting relief. Chiropractic care is effective for treating pain at all stages – acute, subacute, and even chronic pain. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Lifestyle Triggers

Stress and Emotional Strain: Both acute stress and chronic emotional stress are significant triggers for headaches and can exacerbate migraine symptoms.
Dietary Factors: Certain foods and drinks, including those containing caffeine, alcohol, nitrates, and aged cheeses, can initiate headaches. Irregular eating patterns and dehydration also play a critical role.
Sleep Patterns: Both lack of sleep and, occasionally, excessive sleep can provoke migraine attacks and lead to tension headaches.
Physical Exertion: Sudden, strenuous exercise, mainly if the body is not accustomed to it, can trigger headaches in some individuals.

Muscular and Joint Issues

Problems involving the muscles or joints of the neck or jaw are frequent causes of tension headaches. Misalignments or tension in these areas can lead to persistent pain.

Blood Flow and Nerve Activity

Changes in the brain’s blood flow and nerve cell activity are often implicated in triggering migraine pain. These changes can result in the classic throbbing pain associated with migraines.

Environmental Factors

Weather Changes: Shifts in weather, such as changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity, are known to trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds, and strong odors (such as perfumes or strong food smells) can lead to migraine episodes.

Medical Conditions

Hormonal Changes: In women, fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those occurring with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, are recognized triggers for migraines.
Medication Overuse: Taking headache medications too frequently can lead to rebound headaches, which are harder to treat and resolve.

Symptoms Signaling a Need for Help:

Experiencing the following symptoms can indicate that it’s time to seek professional help:

Localized or General Pain: Pain on one or both sides of your head, or a sensation like a band tightening around your head, can be a sign of a headache. Severe pain that impedes daily activities and worsens in bright lights or during stress requires immediate attention.
Recurring Symptoms: Frequent headaches that disrupt your daily routine or migraines with nausea, blurred vision, or throbbing pain.
Sensory Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, or smells often accompanies severe headaches or migraines, indicating a need for medical evaluation.
Physical Debilitation: If headaches or migraines leave you feeling physically weak, unable to move without discomfort, or affect your ability to sleep or concentrate, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

At Mcleod Street Chiropractic, We Believe People Deserve to Be Healthy & Live Their Best Life

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing severe headaches or migraines:

Biological Sex

Biological sex influences headaches and migraines, with women being more prone due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, increasing migraine frequency.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in headaches and migraines, making individuals more likely to experience them if there is a family history of these conditions.

High-stress

High stress can trigger tension headaches and migraines by causing muscle tension, hormone imbalances, and increased sensitivity to pain, leading to more frequent episodes.

Poor Ergonomic Setups

Poor ergonomic setups, such as improper desk or chair positioning, can cause muscle strain in the neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches and increased migraine risk.

Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Inconsistent sleep patterns disrupt the body's natural rhythms, leading to increased stress and fatigue, which can trigger both tension headaches and migraines.

Dehydration & Poor Diet

Dehydration and a poor diet can lead to imbalances in electrolytes and blood sugar, triggering headaches and migraines by causing fatigue, muscle cramps, and brain fog.

Learn More

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of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine

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Migraine is the 6th most disabling illness in the world.

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of chronic migraine sufferers are women.

When to Take Action for Headache & Migraine Relief

While all pain warrants attention, certain symptoms of headaches and migraines may indicate a more serious condition and require immediate medical consultation:

Age of Onset: Headaches that first develop after age 50 can be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Change in Pattern: A major or sudden change in the pattern of your headaches is a red flag.
Severity of Pain: Unusually severe headaches or pain that escalates quickly.
Physical Symptoms Accompanying Pain: Pain accompanied by nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Symptoms Triggered by Actions: Pain that increases with routine activities like coughing or bending.
Neurological Changes: Any associated symptoms such as changes in personality, mental function, fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness, memory issues, visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
Physical Signs: Redness or pain in the eye, tenderness near the temples, or pain resulting from a head injury.
Lifestyle Impact: Headaches or migraines that disrupt daily activities, especially if the pain wakes you from sleep.
Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t improve after using over-the-counter medications.
Special Conditions: Patients with a history of cancer or compromised immune systems experience new or worsening headaches.
Cardiovascular Risks in Men: A Harvard study involving 20,084 men aged 40 to 84 revealed that having migraines boost the risk of heart attacks by 42%. If you are a man experiencing migraine headaches, it’s crucial to discuss your condition with your doctor to manage your risk effectively.

It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals if you experience any of these symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis can lead to effective management and can prevent potential complications. Early engagement with healthcare providers is particularly crucial for men with migraines due to the increased cardiovascular risks identified.

It's Easy To Get Started

Assessment

Start your journey with a thorough new patient exam to accurately identify the underlying cause of your pain, including a complete health and lifestyle assessment.

Tailored Strategy

Based on your assessment, we’ll craft a tailored treatment plan focused on immediate pain relief, addressing the root cause of your pain for lasting results.

Healing Process

Begin treatments and therapies designed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore function, and improve your overall well-being.

Life With Less Limits

Get ahead of, maintain and improve your health with hands-on, personalized natural healthcare that works! Steer your life’s path, enjoying more of what it has to offer.

Don't Let Headaches or Migraines Pain Slow You Down!

Tips to Prevent Headaches & Migraines

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION MAY BE WORTH A POUND OF CURE

Tip 1: Develop a Robust Stress-relief Routine

Regular engagement in relaxation techniques such as meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation can greatly reduce the occurrence of stress-induced headaches.

Daily Practice: Dedicate a set time each day for deep breathing exercises or yoga to help maintain a calm mental state.
Mindfulness Training: Integrate mindfulness into your daily activities to enhance awareness and reduce overall stress.

Tip 2: Create Safe-zones

Adjust your environment to minimize headache and migraine triggers.

Lighting: Use natural light when possible, and opt for anti-glare screens and soft white bulbs to reduce eye strain.
Sound: Keep the noise level down by using carpets and curtains that absorb sound, and consider noise-canceling headphones if you are in a noisy area.
Air Quality: Ensure good ventilation and consider using an air purifier to remove allergens and odors that might trigger headaches.

Tip 3: Control Dietary Triggers

Be mindful of what you eat and drink as certain substances can trigger headaches.

Food Diary: Maintain a diary to track what you eat and note how it affects your headache patterns.
Hydration: Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, a common headache trigger.
Avoid Common Triggers: Steer clear of foods high in histamines, nitrates, and aged cheeses. Reduce consumption of processed foods and caffeine, which can exacerbate headache symptoms.

Tip 4: Regular Exercise

Incorporate a balanced routine of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises to improve overall health and reduce headache frequency.

Consistency is Key: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, as recommended by health guidelines.
Post-Exercise Care: Cool down properly and stay hydrated during workouts to prevent exercise-induced headaches.

Tip 5: Establish a Restorative Sleep Routine

Sleep plays a crucial role in preventing headaches.

Consistency: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s clock.
Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleeping, with a comfortable mattress and pillows, blackout curtains, and a cool temperature.
Pre-Sleep Routine: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine that may include reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Tip 6: Simplify Your Life

Reducing mental clutter and physical triggers can help manage stress levels and decrease the likelihood of headaches.

Declutter: Organize your living and work spaces to reduce chaos and create a serene environment.
Time Management: Prioritize tasks and break them into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
Leisure and Hobbies: Regularly engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, which can inherently reduce stress and prevent stress-related headaches.

Tip 7: Nourish Your Body Intelligently

Mindful Eating: Focus on a balanced diet that supports your overall health and helps manage headaches.

Balanced Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
Monitor Reactions: Pay close attention to how your body responds to certain foods and adjust your diet accordingly to avoid those that trigger headaches.

Gain Your Elite Advantage

Actionable Tips And Insights For Winning Your Day

Headaches or Migraines?

96.5% Patient Satisfaction

Live Life on Your Terms!

#FeelBetter #FunctionBetter #LiveBetter

Headache or Migraines Overview

Is Your Pain Chronic?

Types of Headaches & Migraines

Common Causes of Headaches and Migraines

Symptoms Signaling a Need for Help:

At Mcleod Street Chiropractic, We Believe People Deserve to Be Healthy & Live Their Best Life

Risk Factors

Biological Sex

Genetic Predisposition

High-stress

Poor Ergonomic Setups

Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Dehydration & Poor Diet

$47 New Patient Special

billion dollars of annual healthcare costs and lost productivity

of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine

Migraine is the 6th most disabling illness in the world.

of chronic migraine sufferers are women.

When to Take Action for Headache & Migraine Relief

It's Easy To Get Started

Assessment

Tailored Strategy

Healing Process

Life With Less Limits

Don't Let Headaches or Migraines Pain Slow You Down!

Tips to Prevent Headaches & Migraines

Gain Your Elite Advantage

Chiropractic Care For Athletes: Improving Performance And Preventing Injury

The Importance of Spine Health: Understanding The Role of Chiropractic Care

The Connection Between Chiropractic Care and Improved Mental Health

What to Expect:

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