Headaches And Chiropractic Care

Do you suffer from frequent headaches? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, a whopping nine out of ten Americans have this issue. While for many people headaches are just an occasional nuisance, some people suffer frequent, painful ones. This can be quite debilitating. Ongoing headache issues can affect nearly all aspects of one’s life, including work, hobbies, exercise, social activity, schoolwork, and mood, to name just a few. This is all fairly common knowledge, of course. But what isn’t so well known is the fact that chiropractic treatments can help. A Savage, MN chiropractor discusses headaches and chiropractic treatment in this article.

What Are The Different Types Of Headaches?

When seeking treatment options for headaches, it’s important to determine what kind of headaches you are having. There are actually several different kinds.

Here are a few of the common ones:

• Thunderclap Headache
• Allergy Or Sinus Headache
• Hormone Headache (Menstrual Migraine)
• Caffeine Headache
• Tension Headache
• Cluster Headache
• Migraine Headache
• Hemicrania Continua
• Ice Pick Headache
• Exertion Headache
• Hypertension Headache
• Rebound Headache
• Post-Traumatic Headache
• Spinal Headache

These all present in slightly different ways. For instance, tension headaches almost feel as though you have a tight strap or band around your head. Cervicogenic headaches are often associated with the neck … even if you feel the pain elsewhere. Migraines, as you may know, usually involve sharp pains in one area, and often come with nausea or light/sound sensitivity. Some people also experience other symptoms, such as auras, dizziness, and even vomiting. 

If you aren’t sure which type of headache you are dealing with, or if you know or suspect that you are experiencing different kinds, check with your doctor. You should also see your physician if you are experiencing severe and/or recurrent headaches, if you’ve noticed that your headaches are growing worse, if the patterns, symptoms, or triggers are changing, and/or if you also have other symptoms, such as fever, nausea, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

How Would A Chiropractor Help With Headaches?

Spinal manipulation can reduce stiffness, improve nerve and spinal function, and help circulation, all of which can reduce tension in your neck and back. Chiropractic treatment may also increase your mobility and range of motion and improve your circulation, which can also ease headache pain. 

Keep in mind that spinal misalignments can potentially cause or contribute to headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches. If the muscles in your shoulders and neck get tight, they can interfere with circulation and pull on the bottom of your head.

Ask your Savage, MN chiropractor for more information, or schedule a consult if you want to learn more. 

Is Chiropractic Treatment Helpful In Treating Headaches?

While there are more studies needed, research does indicate that chiropractic care can be helpful in treating headaches, particularly tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

For migraine sufferers, chiropractic care also reduces the intensity and frequency of episodes. Your chiropractor may be able to assist by performing spinal manipulations or adjustments, which will ease pressure on the spine, reduce stiffness, and, of course, relieve pain. They may also be able to offer advice on things like diet, exercise, and/or supplements that may help.

Additionally, chiropractic care is both safe and non-invasive, and often has immediate results. Ask your chiropractor for more information. 

Is There Evidence That Chiropractic Treatment Works?

According to a 2014 report the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) “interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain and increased benefit was shown in several instances where a multimodal approach to neck pain had been used.” 

Also, a study done in 2011 by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics revealed that migraine and cervicogenic headaches were both improved by chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation. 

Another study was conducted in 2016. It found that “Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches. The type, frequency, dosage, and duration of treatment(s) should be based on guideline recommendations, clinical experience, and findings. Evidence for the use of spinal manipulation as an isolated intervention for patients with tension-type headache remains equivocal.”

What Triggers Headaches? 

Headaches can be sparked by a variety of causes, including injury, stress, dehydration, and medical issues, to name a few. You can reduce your risk by recognizing and reducing your exposure to things that trigger them. These vary from person to person, and can change over time.

Here are a few possible triggers:

• Certain Foods 
• Bright Lights 
• Loud Noises
• Scents
• Stress
• Anger
• Weather
• Insomnia 
• Excessive Exercise 
• Blood Sugar Changes
• Allergies
• Caffeine
• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Hormones

If you aren’t sure what is triggering your headaches, you may want to start taking detailed notes about what you have eaten, done, and felt the day of and prior to a headache.

According to information from the National Headache Foundation, only about 5 percent of all headaches are warning signals of physical problems. The other  95 percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease; the headache itself is the primary concern.

Most primary headaches—which are headaches which are not caused by underlying medical issues—are associated with muscle tension in the neck. 

How Do You Prevent Headaches?

If you’re suffering from headaches, you’ll need to get to the root cause. That said, there are some general things that can help. 

Ergonomics definitely plays a role, particularly for those who work at desks. In this day and age, many people are quite sedentary, and spend a lot of time in front of computers. This can irritate your joints, interfere with circulation, and create muscle tension in the neck and back, possibly leading to headaches. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, make sure that your lighting is good and that your station is both comfortable and ergonomically correct. Also, remember to get up and stretch every 30 minutes. 

Here are a few other suggestions:

• Ask your chiropractor for advice on good posture. (This can also help reduce joint pain and muscle tension.)
• A suitable exercise regimen, which would include proper stretching, may also help. 
• Be sure to stay hydrated! Try to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. 
• The American Chiropractic Association also recommends low-impact exercise. Of course, the key here is to find something you enjoy and stick with it!

What Are The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care? 

As you may know, most people seek chiropractic care because of back and neck pain. However, those aren’t the only benefits. While there is more research needed, studies indicate that some of the possible benefits include reduced stress,  improved athletic performance, and increased joint health. Chiropractic treatment can also help with digestive health, reproductive health, and immune function. Additionally, it may result in better cardiovascular health, improved respiration, and enhanced range of movement. It can even help pregnant women have healthier pregnancies and easier deliveries.

Make An Appointment With Your Savage, MN Chiropractor 

Are you suffering from headaches, neck pain, or back pain? Do you think you may benefit from chiropractic treatment? Please contact us today. As your Savage, MN Chiropractic care center, we are here to help!