Headaches are an extremely common problem. Around 90% of adults will experience recurrent headaches during their lifetime. Contrary to what many people believe, headaches can be a very different experience between patients. This is because there are various types of headaches and triggers that cause them. People who experience chronic headaches can often pinpoint something that causes them – for example, stress, low blood sugar, or fatigue.
While there are many different medications that can help to treat the effects of headaches, they usually alleviate the symptoms rather than treat the underlying cause. Fortunately, chiropractic care can do both.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to treating medical conditions whereby a trained professional, called a chiropractor, uses a range of manual techniques to reduce pain, improve body function and increase mobility. The treatments focus on the spine with the theory being that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system (the spine, muscles and connective tissues) can help the body to heal itself from illness and injury more effectively, and without the need for medication, surgery or other traditional medical treatments.
There are a variety of different techniques that have been shown to be effective in helping to relieve headaches and migraines in patients. The technique you will be recommended will depend on your individual circumstances and the personalized treatment plan that your chiropractor creates for you.
Spinal adjustments, also known as manipulations, are one of the best recognized chiropractic techniques. The process involves your chiropractor using their hands to apply firm pressure to parts of your spine to bring all of the vertebrae into alignment and reduce pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues. Most spinal adjustments focus on the upper back and neck as it is this area that contains the nerves that are linked to the head.
Massage therapy is another popular technique for relieving headaches. This is because most headaches are known as tension headaches and occur because of stress, depression, anxiety, or something like a head injury. One of the main symptoms of a stress headache is tension that is felt in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic massage can encourage blood flow to the area, which reduces inflammation and tension. As a result, patients can expect headaches to become less intense or to reduce in frequency altogether.
Most people are familiar with ultrasound being used to detect pregnancy and as a diagnostic technique for other illnesses. However, ultrasound energy has also been proven to have a therapeutic effect when used in the right way. When the soundwaves pass into the body, they reach the target area and cause the tissues to become warmer and vibrate. This boosts circulation, prompts the release of pain-relieving endorphins, and accelerates the rate of healing.
Electrotherapy may sound a little daunting, but this painless process is now being used by chiropractors as another non-invasive technique to relieve pain in patients suffering from chronic conditions. Small pads are placed onto the target areas, and a machine is used to send electrical impulses to them to create the therapeutic effect. Electrical impulses usually start fairly low and are increased in line with the patient’s tolerance levels and how their body responds to the treatment.
All therapies and techniques listed above are usually carried out as part of an initial or ongoing treatment plan. Therefore, the number of sessions you are asked to attend, and their frequency will vary according to your individual needs. To find out more about how chiropractic care can help with headaches, please do not hesitate to call us at (503) 362-5555, and we'd be happy to answer any questions.
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