Happiness is…the moment you realize your headache is gone!
Chiropractic Care for Headaches: What You Need to Know
There are several common types of headaches, each with unique symptoms. The most common type headaches we see are migraines, tension-type and cluster headaches. If you are suffering from any of these headaches you may find they interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. These headaches can also cause pain and sensations in other areas of the body while contributing to personality and mood changes.
Migraines are a primary headache typically starting at puberty but are most common between 35 and 45 years of age. Due to hormonal influences migraines are twice as common in women and are often recurrent in nature. With moderate to severe pain lasting up to several days made worse by activity, there is most likely a disruption of your activity of daily activities (ADL). The pain of migraine is typically felt on one side and described as stabbing or throbbing. People suffering from migraines often have additional symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sinus symptoms, light and loud sound sensitivity. Migraines can be life altering for some patients.
Tension-type headaches are typically felt on both sides of the head with a mild to moderate pain intensity often describe as a feeling of tightness. A tension-type headache can last for as a little as 30 minutes or as long as several days which is often referred to as a chronic daily headache. Tension headaches typically do not have additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Cluster headaches are often short and severe in intensity. These headaches can occur from single to multiple times per day for weeks to months. This type of headache has pain felt on one side with multiple one sided facial symptoms such as watering eyes, runny nose, drooping eyelid with possible swelling or constricted pupil. When you have this type of headache you may feel restless or aggressive during the episode and exhausted after.
Headaches are a common problem which can be caused by a variety of factors, including neck pain, poor posture, lack of cervical curve, TMJ pain or TMJD, muscle tension and stress as well as lifestyle choices.
What are the causes of headaches?
Chiropractic care can help restore proper joint function in the cervical spine improving range of motion as well as reducing muscle tension. We start by working with the upper cervical spine to make sure proper motion and alignment are achieved then progress down the cervical spine to restore optimal motion. Reducing joint disfunction leads to many positive results.
How does chiropractic care help headaches?
The biggest benefit is the possibility reduce the frequency and/or severity of your headaches without the use of prescription drugs. You might get some other side benefits our patients have noted such as improved sleep, reduced anxiety, clearer mind with more focus and better relationships.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Headaches?
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Headaches?
Chiropractic is safe for the treatment of headaches after a proper assessment and possibly X-Rays to make a proper diagnosis. We use multiple techniques so quite often the adjustments in the cervical spine are done with your head in straight alignment with the rest of the spine.