Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Are you tired of taking medication for headache pain that does not go away? There are better, more permanent and natural solutions for headache pain.
One of the leading causes of headache pain is nerve irritation.
There are an estimated 4.5 million Canadians that suffer from severe, recurring attacks of migraine and tension headaches. We spend upwards of $40 million each year on over-the-counter and prescription drugs in search of relief. For some, the medication works. Unfortunately for many the relief from medication is temporary at best. A cycle of headaches and medication often occurs without any lasting relief found. If you think this describes your pain then there is good news for you.
Recent studies link headache pain to nerve irritation. One study, conducted at the University of Maryland, found a connection between muscle tension at the base of the neck and headaches. Muscle contractions interfere with the sensitive nerve fibers at the base of the neck that lead to the brain and spinal cord. This muscle tension often plays a contributing factor to headache pain. Another study conducted by Dr. Wright found that the vast majority of migraine headache sufferers have spinal misalignments in their necks that are placing pressure on the spinal nerves.
Our chiropractors' remedy for headache pain is two-fold: 1. Chiropractic adjustments to remove pressure on the nerves caused by spinal misalignments. 2. Soft tissue therapy to reduce tension in neck muscles and minimize nerve pressure due to tight muscles. This strategy works for many headache sufferers, not only in our office but also in several studies. One such study, conducted by the government of New Zealand, found that the majority of people who suffered from spinal misalignments had headache relief and their condition improved through chiropractic care. In follow-up studies of the same patients it was found that many were still without recurring headache pain two years later.
Of course, not all headaches can be helped exclusively with chiropractic care, but our chiropractors also provide lifestyle suggestions to make sure that all potential contributing factors are considered and taken care of. If you suffer from persistent migraine or tension headaches you owe it to yourself to come to our office for an exam and consultation. If we cannot help you with chiropractic care, we have many other health care professionals at Yellow Gazebo that can help.
Can a chiropractor really get rid of my headaches?
Yes. Your spine protects your spinal cord, which carries the information from your brain to your body. When the vertebrae in your neck are unable to move properly, it irritates or puts pressure on the nerves in that area. The muscles of the shoulders, upper back and neck can also put pressure on the nerves. Both of these situations can cause headaches. To correct this problem, our chiropractors gently adjust the vertebrae and releases the tight muscles. Since most headaches are caused by spinal misalignments and tight muscles, they will soon disappear.
Why would I have spinal problems in my neck?
There are many reasons. They can originally occur as early as the birth process, and as your body grows and matures. Also, falls, sports activities, motor vehicle accidents, bad posture or simply the stresses of daily living can cause spinal problems. It is also very common for headache sufferers to experience neck pain and stiffness.
But are my headaches migraines...?
Migraine headaches are usually severe and sharp, throbbing in nature, and generally affect one side of the head. Tension headaches tend to occur frequently, last a long time and are characterized by a dull, steady pain that feels like a band of pressure around the neck. But despite these differences they are closely related. Chiropractic care has been proven to be extremely effective in treating migraine and tension headaches as well as neck pain and stiffness.
What will the chiropractor do to treat my headaches?
Your first visit will include a consultation and examination to help diagnose your problem, and then a treatment. Once your condition is fully understood, your chiropractor will explain your examination results and outline a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Our chiropractors will use highly skilled, gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapies to re-align the spine and remove the pressure on the nerves.
Once my headache stops, does the chiropractic care end?
Your body continues to heal after the pain has gone. Chiropractic adjustments re-train your vertebrae to hold their healthy positions. Regular chiropractic adjustments, even when there is no pain, will help your nervous system function more efficiently and your body will be better able to heal itself. In time, exercise, a healthy diet, and periodic visits to the chiropractor will help you stay healthy, pain free, and live life to the fullest. Our chiropractors cater your chiropractic care to your own personal health goals. Once your headaches are gone, it is up to you how you wish to proceed with care.
