Headache is one of the most common pain complaints, striking an estimated 9 out of 10 people at least once in their lives. But when the pain becomes a chronic issue, many people seek alternative, non-drug methods to relieve the pain. Chiropractor care for headaches can be a valuable technique in the management of headache pain.
The Tension Headache
A tension headache is typically a dull ache or pressure sensation in the head that can radiate into the neck and shoulders. These headaches can be brought on by stress or muscular tension about the head, face and neck region. These headaches, though usually not severe, can impact daily activities, and in some cases can become a chronic pain condition. Chronic tension headaches come about several times per week and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
The Migraine Headache
A migraine is a throbbing or pulsing pain commonly felt on one side of the head. Many migraine sufferers experience some form of sensory warning sign that precedes the pain. Warning signs include visual disturbances in the form of flashes of light or blind spots, nausea, vomiting and tingling into the arm. Migraines can be accompanied by side effects such as light and noise sensitivity, continued nausea, and an exacerbation of pain with physical activities. Pain can last several hours to several days.
Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Chiropractors treat vertebral or spinal subluxations, or misaligned bones or segments of bone from the neck to the lower-back region. These displaced bones can cause irritation to the nerves and cause pain. Chiropractic care for headaches attempts to realign the bones of the spine, especially in the neck region, to allow for proper range of motion and to decrease pressure on the nerves that may exacerbate headache pain.
Other Treatments Chiropractic Care Offers Headache Sufferers
A chiropractor familiar with the different types of headaches can offer modalites such as heat application as well as techniques designed to relieve pressure points and pain. Manual skills offered for the chiropractic care for headaches includes such things as muscle tension and spasm relief through spinal manipulations, and stretching of the musculature involved, as well as trigger-point techniques to release hyper-irritable knots in the muscles or fascia (a web-like covering surrounding internal structures). Common trigger points for headaches include the area around the eyes, up into the forehead and the top of the head. Trigger points can also be located in the neck and shoulder regions.
Warnings for Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Though chiropractic care for headaches can be a beneficial addition to a headache treatment regiment, it should not be used in place of standard medical care as it is important to rule out more serious reasons for the headache. Adjustments to spinal bones chronically misaligned can cause an initial increase in pain, as it may cause an increase of muscle spasms or tightness. Chiropractic adjustments may also be necessary on a continued basis until the muscles adjust to the new, proper positioning of the spinal bones.
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