Headaches and Chirorpractic

It is believed that one in three people suffer from headaches at some point in their life. Headaches are also the fifth leading cause for people to visit physicians. Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches meaning simple headaches such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.

Muscle tension in the neck is the leading cause of most headaches. In today’s society there are increasing numbers of people that are inactive and sedentary therefore they spend more time in fixed postures and positions. As a result there is increased pain and discomfort in the head, neck and upper back. Studies indicate that Chiropractic care can effectively treat headaches.
Chiropractic treatment does not involve medications, it is non-invasive and does not restrict you in participating in any activates. A proper history and physical exam will indicate the nature of the problem. The treating doctor determines if the headache what structural components such as nerve, bones or muscles are involved. There can also be external triggers that contribute such as certain foods, increased stress, noises, lights, changes in blood sugar, insomnia, etc.
Manipulation or an adjustment is a quick thrust that corrects the position of one or more vertebral joints. This form of treatment is performed by Doctors of Chiropractic. When the spinal bones are out of place, they can affect the nerves, which often result in irritation and pain.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following:
1. If you spend a lot of time in one position, such as in front of a computer, typing, reading, or sewing, take a stretch break every half hour to hour of activity. Move your neck through various motions.
2. Low-impact exercise such as walking or aerobics may assist in decreasing pain of a headache. If you experience throbbing headaches stay away from intensive exercise.
3. Try not to clench your teeth. Your upper and lower teeth should not touch except when swallowing. Clenching leads to increased stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This complex consists of two joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. This can lead to tension headaches.
4. To prevent dehydration, drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, especially in hot climates.
5. Avoid caffeine which includes coffee, tea, chocolate and soda these substances can increase the stimulation of a headache
6. Avoid foods with increased amounts of salt and sugar
7. Avoid alcoholic beverages as increased consumption leads to dehydration.

What Can a Doctor of Chiropractic Do?
1. Perform manipulation or adjustments to decrease the stress on your body and improve function of the spine.
Provide nutritional advice such as change the diet or add B complex vitamins.
2. Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

If your headache is symptomatic of a greater health problem please see your medical physician for further diagnosis and care.