Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is not just for back pain or neck pain as many people believe. Chiropractors take a whole-body approach that can help with a variety of ailments. Headaches are one of the many ailments that can be with chiropractic care. Because of my own struggles with chronic headaches, I have devoted a lot of my time researching the causes and alternative therapies that can help chronic headaches.
Headaches are known as any pain in the region of the head. Headaches may feel like a dull ache, a sharp, stabbing pain or they may be pounding/throbbing pains. The headache may feel like a tight band around your head or may be localized to one side. Unfortunately, headaches can last for hours or even days. There are two types of headaches; primary and secondary. Primary headaches are caused by problems with pain-sensitive structures. Secondary headaches are a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive structures.
Headache Triggers
There are certain triggers that can be the cause of primary headaches including:
- Skipped meals
- MSG
- Aspartame
- Neck injury
- Whiplash
- Poor posture
- Alcohol
- Changes in sleep
- Stress
- Certain foods
There are certain diseases or conditions that can be the cause of secondary headaches including:
- Acute sinusitis
- Brain aneurysm
- Brain tumor
- Glaucoma
- Dehydration
- Concussion
- Meningitis
- Stroke
When to see a Doctor for Headaches
Mild occasional headaches can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, there are instances where headaches are serious and may be an underlying cause an illness. If you are experiencing confusion, trouble speaking, trouble walking, stiff neck, a fever, or nausea and vomiting it is necessary to see a professional and determine that nothing serious is occurring.
Activities that may Contribute to Headaches
There are many things that can help avoid headaches or at least reduce the frequency and severity. One thing that can help ease headaches is to quit looking down at your phone. Switch it up and consider looking to the side or lying down and looking up. Changing positions can help with the constant strain on your neck. This is the same for computer usage and video game playing; take a break every now and then. Also, driving long distances can be an issue, so make sure to take breaks. Sleeping on your stomach can also be a huge stressor on your neck.
Headache Treatments
Many people tend to treat headaches with over-the-counter medications. These can help in the short-term and provide some relief. Others tend to look for ways to reduce the occurrence of headaches. There are certain causes like stress, which can contribute to the frequency of headaches in your life. Some people have found that they clench their jaws and are suffering from TMJ and that can be a huge contributor to headache pain. TMJ sufferers should seek out attention from their dentist.
Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Another way to treat headaches is with a holistic approach, including improving diet, exercise, meditation, and chiropractic care*. Spinal alignments can relieve stress and improve spinal function and health.
I have been treating patients with headaches and migraines since 1982. As I mentioned above, because of my own headaches, I have taken a special interest in learning the best way to treat tension headaches or migraines.
Call my office at 860-583-4346 to set up a free consultation to determine if we can help you with your headaches.
*Headaches and Chiropractic – American Chiropractic Association
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
