Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Managing Headaches

Chiropractic treatment is a natural, drug-free option for treating headache pain. No matter the cause of your headache, a visit to the chiropractor can help.

Understanding Headaches 

Headaches are classified as primary or secondary. Primary headaches, like tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, are not caused by another condition. Secondary headaches are caused by things like a sinus infection or a head injury. 

Headaches have many potential causes. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to headaches, while most develop from stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Hormonal changes can also trigger headaches in some people.

Migraine Headaches 

A migraine headache is a type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Migraine headaches are often recurrent and triggered by certain factors, like stress, bright lights, or certain foods. While there is no cure for migraines, many treatments can provide pain relief and alleviate other symptoms.

Migraine headaches are believed to be caused by changes in the brain. It is thought that migraines may be due to genetic and environmental factors. They are more common in people who have a family history of migraines.

Migraine headaches can cause a variety of symptoms, including: 

• Severe pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Migraines can last for a few hours or up to several days. The pain of a migraine headache is often described as throbbing or pulsing.

Cervicogenic Headaches 

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originates from the neck. People often describe the pain from a cervicogenic headache as dull and throbbing, radiating from the base of the skull to the temples. In some cases, the pain may also extend into the shoulders or upper back.

Tension Headaches 

The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which causes mild to moderate pain and can be a nuisance but usually aren't severe.

Most people who get tension headaches treat them at home with over-the-counter pain relievers and relaxation techniques. But some people have chronic tension headaches that require doctor's care.

Tension headaches have the following characteristics:

• Are not accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting
• Are not worse with activity
• Don't get worse with changes in position (such as lying down) 
• Aren't throbbing or pulsing 
• Don't cause sharp pain

How Chiropractors Treat Headaches 

Headaches can be caused by various factors, including muscle tension, neck problems, and stress. Chiropractors are trained to find the source of headaches and supply effective treatment.

Chiropractors can use various techniques to relieve muscle tension, including massage, stretching, and spinal manipulation. They can use different methods to treat migraine headaches, including trigger point therapy, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the head and neck.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Headaches 

• All-natural drug-free treatment 
• Pain
• Fewer side effects

Conclusion 

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for headaches. Chiropractors use various techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body to help relieve pressure on the nerves and muscles. Chiropractic care can also help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. This can all help to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. 

In addition, chiropractic care can help address the underlying causes of headaches, such as muscle tension or poor posture. If you suffer from headaches, consider getting chiropractic care to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall health.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.