Chiropractic and Headaches

Headaches occur due to pain sensitive structures in and around our head becoming inflamed or irritated. These can include arteries, muscles, teeth and skin.

There are many causes of these structures becoming painful such as: 

• Dental surgery
• Food reactions (such as irritants in processed foods)
• Medications
• Infection
• Hunger 

Headache Type

There are many different types of headaches, the main ones include tension type, migraine and cluster headaches. These different types have specific characteristics that differentiate one type from another. Some of the characteristics to look out for a listed below.  

1. Tension type headaches – Tightness or pressure that occurs on both sides of the head. 

2. Migraine – Pulsating or throbbing, sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision and occurring on one side of your head. 

3. Cluster – Ice pick-like, occurs in clusters that can occur for weeks-months, runny nose, sweating, blood shot eyes and drooping of one eyelid. 

Chiropractic and Headache Relief

Many studies have been conducted that show a positive result for headache relief when people who are suffering have seen a chiropractor. Chiropractors can implement a few methods to try and lessen the frequency of headaches and the pain that is associated with them.

They may apply spinal adjustment & other chiropractic techniques to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system. They can provide advice, recommending a change in diet and natural supplements & vitamins.

One of the leading causes of headaches is body position and stress. Chiropractors can also give you advice on posture, ergonomics (such as work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques which can help to alleviate recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.