Nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches. Chiropractic care can help relieve the throbbing pain. Here are some reasons to consider using a chiropractor to ease the pain in your head.
Causes of Headaches
Most tension headaches are cervicogenic. Research shows that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for headaches originating from the neck. A person’s posture can be a major contributing factor.
Many headaches are triggered by muscle tension in the neck. People tend to spend a long time in one position, such as sitting in front of a computer. This can increase muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp, and cause pain in the head.
Self-Treatment Ideas
The American Chiropractic Association offers some suggestions to prevent headaches.
- If you spend time in a fixed position, get up and stretch every 30 minutes. Focus on your neck and head.
- Try low-impact aerobics or walking to help ease pain.
- Avoid clenching your teeth. It can stress the TMJ joints that connect your jaw to your skull.
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
How a Chiropractor Treats Headaches
Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractors perform chiropractic adjustments. This can take the pressure off nerves and blood vessels, providing relief from headaches and migraines.
Soft Tissue Therapies
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and back often causes headache pain. Techniques like trigger point therapy can help.
Guidance
Chiropractors can teach you how to maintain good posture, set up an ergonomic workspace, and do regular stretches to help reduce muscle strain.
Lifestyle Tips
A chiropractor may also recommend tips for stress management, hydration, adequate sleep, and regular exercise to help reduce headache triggers.
Merckling Family Chiropractic can determine the source of your headache and the right chiropractic care to treat it. Don’t wait or hesitate! Contact us today to get started.
