We have all suffered from a headache at some time in our lives. However, having headaches more frequently can be debilitating and frustrating. Did you know that chiropractors treat many of the causes of headaches?
Chiropractic may help to relieve tightness in your neck muscles due to stress and tension in your neck, shoulders and back. Treatment may:
- Reduce tension headaches- band – like pains at the back and front of your head.
- Improve the function of the jaw- grinding teeth causes muscle tension and may be a major factor in chronic headaches
- Include sensible advice on how to cut down the stress in your life.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Chiropractic may also be very effective in the treatment of headaches that are the result of an injury or repetitive strain to your neck. These are usually dull or aching pains, affecting the base of the skull or one or both sides of your neck
Migraines
A migraine is a severe headache that is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as flashing lights in front of the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. Such headaches can also have an effect on the neck musculature causing them to tighten and contribute to the problem. We will be able to identify a loss of movement in the vertebrae and the surrounding areas and by treating them, improve the movement. This will reduce stresses on the muscles, joints and nerves which may have been causing your pain.
Stress
Stress can also be a contributing factor to headaches and muscular pain in the neck. Therefore as well as having chiropractic manipulation to the neck it is important to address the trigger factors that can cause stress and potential headaches.
What if it’s something serious?
If your chiropractor feels that chiropractic treatment is not appropriate for the cause of your headaches, you will be referred to your G.P or a suitable specialist.
What’s wrong with taking painkillers?
Painkillers will reduce the pain but they are not getting rid of the cause of your pain. Painkillers also have side effects. Taking painkillers on a regular basis, ie. On more than 15 days a month, every month, can actually cause more headaches (rebound headaches).