Get relief from headaches with Chiropractic care
If you suffer from headaches, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that approximately two-thirds of the global population suffer from headaches, affecting all ages and all walks of life. While there are many different “types” of headaches, clinically, we have found the majority are related to joint issues in the neck. Thankfully, most of the causes and ensuing problems can be corrected with Chiropractic Care and patients can sometimes enjoy almost instant relief, while others experience a more gradual decline in their symptoms over a few days or weeks.
How Chiropractic helps headaches & migraines
A thorough examination is performed first, to determine the type and cause of headache. Once determined, specific Chiropractic adjustments are used to correct structural alignment and reduce pressure on the sensitive neurological tissue, often relieving headaches immediately or over the course of a few days.
The ‘Chiropractic adjustment’ is a procedure in which trained Chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to a spinal joint or area.
The ‘Chiropractic adjustment’ is a procedure in which trained Chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to a spinal joint or area.
Common causes of headaches & migraines
Headaches and migraines can be caused by various factors, including stress, misalignments in the cervical spine (resulting in joint inflammation and/or nerve irritation), and muscular tension in the neck and upper back. Other potential triggers include high blood pressure, hormonal changes, sinus problems, and dehydration.
The severity and frequency of headaches can vary greatly, with some being mild and infrequent while others are severe and debilitating. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment and prevention, as it is specific to each individual's medical history and needs.
Common causes of headaches & migraines (Summary)
The severity and frequency of headaches can vary greatly, with some being mild and infrequent while others are severe and debilitating. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment and prevention, as it is specific to each individual's medical history and needs.
Common causes of headaches & migraines (Summary)
- Misalignments in the cervical spine causing nerve irritation and/or joint inflammation
- Muscular tension (neck and upper back)
- Trauma (e.g. whiplash)
- Prolonged poor posture or Physical stress
- High blood pressure
- Hormonal changes
- Sinus problems
- Dehydration
Most common types of headaches
- Cervicogenic Headaches
Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause through a combination of chiropractic care, mobility exercises, stretches and lifestyle modifications.
- Tension Type Headache
Treatment is similar to cervicogenic headaches, in that we want to address the underlying cause through Chiropractic adjustments. However more emphasis is placed on lifestyle modifications and stress reductions techniques.
- Migraines
Medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and prevent future migraine attacks. In addition, chiropractic treatment has demonstrated a reduction in both the frequency and intensity of migraines, as well as a decrease in the duration of the migraine when it occurs.
- Sinus Headaches
To treat sinus headaches, the underlying cause of sinus inflammation, such as an infection or allergies, needs to be addressed. This often involves antibiotics or anti-histamines. Additionally, chiropractors can use a tool called an 'activator' to adjust the sinus bones, which can help clear the sinuses and alleviate headaches and blocked noses.
RESEARCH
Research shows that Chiropractic adjustments (sometimes known as spinal manipulation) may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. A 2014 report from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain (1). Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, may improve symptoms related to migraine and cervicogenic headaches (2).
Research shows that Chiropractic adjustments (sometimes known as spinal manipulation) may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. A 2014 report from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain (1). Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, may improve symptoms related to migraine and cervicogenic headaches (2).
- Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014; 37: 42-63.
- Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011; 34: 274-89.