Important Message from The Joint Chiropractic regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) - Read More

When Is A Child's Headache Serious?

By Randi Morse

There's nothing worse than seeing your child in pain and not being able to fix it. Children tend to be rough-and-tumble and are prone to injury, so most parents don't worry too much when their child gets a scrape here or a bruise there. It's the unseen causes of pain that we tend to worry more about, like headaches. 

Headaches and Children

Whenever my son or daughter had a headache, I always worried that it was a sign of something more serious. It turns out that headaches are actually very commonly seen in children. Most children will have at least one headache before they reach the age of 18, and some are prone to recurrent headaches. Some research shows that by the time children are in high school, 25 percent of them deal with some form of recurring headaches. Recurring headaches can be hereditary, so if you experience headaches your child is more likely to as well. 

Types of Headaches

There are two types of headaches that are most commonly seen in children: tension headaches and migraines. If your child has a migraine they will most likely be able to point to one side of their head or another as being the cause of the pain. Migraines tend to get worse with activity and light and better in cool, dark rooms. Some children experience nausea with migraines. Tension headaches are often more difficult to pinpoint and don't generally get worse with activity. They don't usually cause nausea but they may get worse with light or noise. 

What to Do About Headaches

If your child has a headache, don't automatically reach for the phone. It's very likely a one-time thing, or it's connected with another illness. If your child has recurring headaches, however, it's something your child's doctor should be informed about. The problem could be connected to something as simple as your child not getting enough sleep or could be an indication of something more serious. My son had recurrent headaches, for example, and it was because he needed glasses. 

If your child has recurring headaches, make sure you keep track of them and speak with your pediatrician. Stress can be a big cause of tension headaches so try to keep communication open between yourself and your child and make sure they have some time to relax every day.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree Corners, Ga.

Story link

Download your offer today and save!

$29 New Patient Special, Consultation | Exam | Adjustment

Offer valued at $45. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary.