Treatment for Headaches and Migraines Provided by Chiropractors
Since the 1970s, chiropractic care has been acknowledged as a viable, non-pharmaceutical alternative for the treatment of headaches and migraines. This recognition came about as a result of chiropractic treatments’ effectiveness. In the following paragraphs, we will respond to some of the questions we get asked most frequently regarding chiropractic treatment for headaches. We will also provide an overview of our approach to providing patients who suffer from headaches and migraines with relief from the symptoms of their conditions.
I Suffer from Headaches and Migraines, and I Was Wondering if Chiropractic Treatment Could Help Me
Frankly, the response to this question is “maybe.” It depends on the type of headache you are now suffering from and the underlying cause of your headache. If you only get headaches on occasion and they are relieved by getting a good night’s sleep or even by taking a couple of Advil, you probably do not need chiropractic treatment for your headaches. On the other hand, if you suffer from headaches and migraines on a regular basis, discussing your situation with a chiropractor might help you find relief from your headaches. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including headaches and migraines.
After examining the data from 20 different clinical trials, a group of academics concluded in 2009 that “evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spine manipulation, relieves migraine and cervicogenic headaches.” Chiropractic adjustments are a very effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches, which respond exceptionally favorably to this treatment.
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that starts in the cervical spine or the soft tissues of the neck. Cervicogenic headaches can be quite painful. People who suffer from cervicogenic headaches frequently note that, in addition to their headache, they also have a reduced range of motion in their neck and that their headache worsens if they move their neck and head in a particular way. Cervicogenic headaches are thought to be caused by the head’s tension on the neck. In addition, these headaches often only affect one side of the head. Pain from cervicogenic headaches can travel all the way from the back of the neck all the way up to the front of the head or even to the region behind the eye.
When It Comes to My Headaches and Migraines, How Exactly Might Treatment from a Chiropractor Help?
At Atlas Total Health Chiropractic, we work with our patients to discover the cause of their headaches and the type of headache pain they are experiencing. This process involves working together to gather information on the patient’s condition. After this, we will provide individualized treatment for the relief of headaches and migraines, which may include the following components, depending on the patient’s specific needs:
- Craniosacral manipulation combined with spinal manipulation
- Exercises
- Acupressure and massage
- Diet recommendations
- And more
In addition, we suggest you consult with either your family doctor or a neurologist who focuses on treating headaches. This is something that will be determined by the nature of the pain you are experiencing and the underlying cause of the headache. We can collaborate with your other medical professionals to provide the necessary treatment, and chiropractic care can be an excellent addition to a more comprehensive strategy in certain situations. If you are in need of treatment of this nature, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today.
How Can I Prevent Headaches in the Future and Get Relief from the Ones I’m Experiencing Right Now at Home?
In order to avoid experiencing headaches in the future, the American Chiropractic Association recommends the following preventative steps be taken:
- If you sit in front of a computer for long periods of time while working at a desk, you need to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch. If you sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time while working at a desk, you should get up and stretch every thirty to sixty minutes. Make sure that the range of motion that the stretches put your neck through is one that you can handle before you continue.
- Low-impact exercise has been demonstrated to be a helpful method for alleviating the pain associated with primary headaches. However, be aware that if you are prone to dull and throbbing headaches, you should steer clear of intense action and instead concentrate on activities such as walking and other low-impact workouts. This is because strenuous activity can cause your headaches to become more severe.
- When you grind your teeth, you exert strain on the temporomandibular joints, which are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. This can lead to headaches and other facial pain. If you want to reduce the effects of stress on your body, you should stop grinding your teeth. As a consequence of this, discomfort at these joints might ensue, which in turn can contribute to headaches caused by tension. Speak with your dentist if you are experiencing issues with teeth grinding (bruxism) to see what options may be available to you.
- Ensure that you keep up your levels of hydration. It is essential to consume at least 64 ounces of water on a daily basis if you want to avoid experiencing headaches as a result of being dehydrated.
Atlas Total Health Chiropractic
Standard treatments for issues like headaches and neck discomfort, like over-the-counter pain relievers, might not go to the root of your suffering. Because of how badly these disorders can reduce your quality of life, this can be frustrating. Since they just address the symptoms, these treatments don’t do anything to address the root cause of your headaches or neck pain. Chiropractic care aims to identify the cause of your pain and support the body’s innate capacity to heal itself from the inside out.
Our chiropractors here at Atlas Total Health, have a lot of experience working with musculoskeletal problems, including spinal and neck alignment issues that may be contributing to persistent headaches and migraines. If you are suffering migraines and headaches, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.