Headaches, Migraines and Chiropractic Care
There are over 13% of the population that suffers from migraines. These migraines can be extreme at times and cause a disruption in your life. The causes behind migraines vary, some are 
hormonal, vision-related, sinus-related, and others have unknown etiology. One thing is shared between all of these migraines, and that is discomfort and irritability for the person experiencing them. Determining ways to combat the symptoms of a migraine can give you your life back.
- Prescription Medications – Most migraine sufferers will turn to prescription medications, or over the counter medications (OTC), to treat their migraines. The problem with this is that prescription drugs can have interactions with other medications you may be taking for other health problems. Some of the medications can also become habit-forming or have side effects that are just as uncomfortable as the migraines. In fact there is actually a diagnosis given called rebound headache, or medication overuse headache ¹. This is why natural alternatives are something to investigate.
- Chiropractic Care – Spinal manipulation is an amazing way to reduce headaches and neck tension ². Stretching the muscles, and adjusting the vertebrae in the neck can impact blood vessel function, as well as nerve function. The cause of most migraines, originates in the trigeminal nucleus which originates in the upper level in your neck. Your exam will include a flexibility assessment, spinal palpation exam, orthopedic exam, neurologic exam, posture check, examination of muscle tone, and other non-invasive tests.
- Supplements – There are also supplements used in conjunction with chiropractic care, including Relax Already, by Stone Age Wellness. This product includes valerian root, lemon balm, passion flower, cramp bark, and chamomile flower. This helps with stress and anxiety release, which can cause tension in your muscles. Another product used by chiropractors is called CryoDerm, which has a cooling and soothing effect on tense muscles. It contains peppermint oil, menthol, eucalyptus, and MSM that work together to provide relief. Cryoderm comes in a spray, lotion, or gel format that works to ease pain at the exact spot.
Advances in chiropractic care have proven that it is more cost-effective and one of the least harmful ways to reduce pain and improve function. A study by Kazal et. al. (2018) in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapies shows that the likelihood of adverse drug effects is much greater without the benefit of added chiropractic services. Chiropractic manipulative therapy can truly provide relief from the pain and discomfort you are experiencing from your tension headaches or migraines. Finding natural alternatives is a way to gain relief and to not gain any of the side effects that can keep you down. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to receive muscle pain relief.
When looking for a chiropractic office in the Bristol area, including the towns of Plainville, Farmington, and New Britain, the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, is an excellent place to receive non-invasive chiropractic care. If we feel that we cannot help you, we will refer you for the appropriate diagnostic testing or to another specialist.
To make an appointment, call now at 860-583-4346 or CLICK HERE to request an appointment.
¹ Medication Overuse Headache – American Migraine Foundation
² Chiropractic Therapy for Headaches and Migraines – Very Well Health
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.
