How Chiropractic Can Assist Headaches
Headaches are very common. We have all had at least one headache within our lifetimes. They can be very complex to understand. For some, they can seemingly strike at any time.
There are many types of headaches including cervicogenic, tension-type, migraines, and cluster headaches. One of the most common types is tension-type headaches.
Most people hope that headaches will simply resolve themselves and go away on their own. The good news is there are ways to both prevent and treat frequent headaches.
What causes a headache?
Headaches can have a number of causes however, your symptoms can help your Chiropractor determine its cause and what treatment you may benefit from. Fortunately, most headaches are not caused by serious illnesses, but in some cases they may require immediate attention.
Commonly, primary headaches are due to over activity of or problems with pain-sensitive areas. Areas in the brain or surrounding your skull and neck, like nerves, joints and muscles, can play a role in your headache. For some, headaches can be triggered by certain foods and even lifestyle factors like:
Headaches can also be caused by pain referred to the head either from bony structures or soft tissues (e.g., muscles) of the neck. This type of headache is referred to as cervicogenic, meaning originating from the cervical spine and/or surrounding structures. This includes irritation and/or dysfunction of the cervical spine joints which can refer pain to the head. Treating joint dysfunction can help relieve pain and restore proper function.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help
Chiropractor’s specialise in the spine, muscle, and nervous system. They are trained to diagnose the underlying cause of your frequent headaches.
They will perform a comprehensive history and examination to determine whether the symptoms are coming from joint dysfunction of the spine or some other surrounding structures like muscles. The Chiropractor will also rule-out other possible causes and refer to appropriate medical professionals when needed for additional testing or care.
By performing a thorough history, they may also be able to determine if any lifestyles factors and habits (e.g., diet, alcohol, or stress) may be triggers for your frequent headaches.
The Chiropractor will discuss your treatment options with you and answer questions you may have. Treatment options may include spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and other modalities. Exercises may even be prescribed to help correct your posture.
Chiropractors, as part of your healthcare team, can help if you are suffering from headaches. In fact, an Australian study found that 72 percent of migraine sufferers in a clinical trial experienced either “substantial” or “noticeable” improvement after a period of chiropractic treatment.
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