In early 2010, a new patient, Cynthia M, 44 years old, came into my office. We ask all of our new patients about headaches and neck pain. Cynthia responded that she began having painful headache episodes over twenty years earlier. She said she'd experienced two to three tension headaches each week. She complained of intense pressure in the temple area and would normally take several Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

After noting that she didn't check the box on her health history that asks if patients have headaches or neck pains, she responded that she chalked this pain up as being "normal" because she lived with it for so long. We talked about this issue more and Cynthia mentioned that she'd been visiting a chiropractor once a month for neck pain for nearly fifteen years.

That embarrassing snoring habit your spouse complains about during family gatherings may have something in common with the worn down teeth the dentist is always harassing you about at checkups. Both of these seemingly harmless habits may be symptoms of a serious health problem, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Research presented at the 2009 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) showed that 1 in 4 patients suffering from OSA also suffered from nocturnal bruxism, commonly known as nighttime teeth grinding. It is estimated that approximately 10% of the US population suffers from bruxism which can lead to migraines, tension-type headaches, TMJ pain, and cracked or worn teeth.

Chronic migraine sufferers feel more ridiculed and ostracized by family, friends, and employers than individuals with other neurological disorders, a recent study presented at The American Headache Society Annual Meeting has shown. If you suffer from migraines, then you know that many people have very little sympathy, falsely accusing you of blowing your pain out of proportion. How many times have those in your circle exclaimed that you should "JUST GET OVER IT?!?!"
The stigma attached to migraine can affect marriages, friendships, and employment situations. This research lends validation to the feelings of which many migraineurs complain. Now you have research to back your claims when someone says you should just "GET OVER IT!" Read more about the research here.