Medication Overuse Headache

Posted on Jul 15, 2018


Have you ever experienced a medication overuse headache? This occurs when using pain medications too frequently causes the headache! While they used to be known as “rebound headaches,” today they’re referred to as medication overuse headaches and to be considered such, they generally need to occur more than 15 days a month for at least three months straight. Who is most at risk? People who use narcotic and butalbital-containing meds. That said, those who use triptans, ergotamines, analgesics, opioids, and even certain over-the-counter meds can get them.

Keep in mind that pain medications affect how your brain functions. Research suggests that using certain pain medications frequently can lower your threshold for pain while reinforcing pathways that process pain. Thus, you get headaches.

Are you already a migraine sufferer? Then you’re more likely to develop medication overuse headaches.

Are you using simple analgesics like aspirin or ibuprofen, but exceeding the recommended daily dosage and doing so for more than two weeks? Then you’re likely to develop medication overuse headaches. Similarly, the use of combination pain relievers that include caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen can bring on such headaches. Headaches can be exacerbated by even something as simple as drinking too much caffeine daily, so if you’re addicted to coffee, pop or Red Bull, you might need help weaning yourself off those drinks.

If you’re looking for a treatment that doesn’t involve drugs, consider chiropractic care. Dr. Jason Gerard can make a correction of the neck to relieve chronic headache syndromes. Meanwhile, adjusting the cervical spine is a way to fix the source of the headache condition in order to reduce the need for the person to take their particular medication. Ideally, chiropractic care on the neck and spine can lead to a person not having as many headaches, which means not having to take medication like they used to.

Why not make an appointment to see Dr. Gerard? He will see if you have a subtle shift in your top vertebra that needs correction in order to improve the way you feel. Please call Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN, at 651-464-0800 or email info@lakewoodschiropractic.com.

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Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!