Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches everyday. In fact, more than 250 million work days are lost each year due to headaches at a cost of 25 billion dollars per year. Headaches are also one of the most common reasons for visiting the doctor, either as a chief complaint itself or as a symptom of a disease. And what do we usually do then when we are suffering from a bad headache? Pop a pill and hope that the pain goes away? Although this approach may be convenient, it can cause adverse effects to our kidneys and liver. So some of us may look for alternatives and in doing so, we might stumble on the idea of chiropractic care. Does it work? Can chiropractors treat headaches?
There are many types and causes of headaches: muscle tension headaches and migraine headaches are by far the most common types, but sinus infections and hypertension are also usual causes too. Headaches may originate from spinal bones in the neck that aren’t supporting your head properly. This, in turn, can affect nerves, muscles and even the blood supply in that area. Some people only experience pain in one part of their head or behind their eyes while some people experience a pounding sensation inside their whole head. A small percentage of people experiencing headache also reports having nausea, dizziness, and even muscle weakness. Whatever the case, we want to treat the headache right away!
Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments are very effective for treating tension headaches, especially headaches that originate in the neck. In fact, a study conducted by the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center found that chiropractic care resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck. Also, there were fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache, as compared to the effects of the commonly prescribed medications.
Chiropractors treat headaches by locating areas of the spine that aren’t moving properly. They then assess the your spine’s curvature, your posture, as well as your ability to turn and bend. If you are a good chiropractic candidate, you will undergo chiropractic adjustment treatment sessions which will help normalize spinal function, help restore essential spinal curves, improve circulation and reduce nerve dysfunction. In addition to actual spine manipulation, Chiropractors may also provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and they may also provide advice about proper posture, ergonomics, exercises, and relaxation techniques.
So, can chiropractors treat headaches? Yes, they definitely can! However, you will have to have yourself seen by a chiropractor personally for him to determine if you are really a candidate. If you are, chiropractic care may then help you in preventing experiencing adverse effects from the common over the counter medications today.
Leave a Reply