A chiropractor can reduce headaches?

Chiropractors

Americans suffer from headaches more than ever. Studies show that 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from some type of headache.  Only around 5% of headaches indicate that something else is physically wrong, while 95% of headaches are just that – headaches.

We sit more than we used to in the past due to most jobs involving sitting at a desk in front of a computer. Because of this, our posture becomes out of alignment and our joints and muscles tense up, causing our heads to ache.

Chiropractic care can help realign your spine to relax your muscles and calm any nerve pain. Here are some common headaches that can be helped by seeing a chiropractor.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches and women are twice as likely to experience tension headaches. While tension headaches don’t prevent you from living your life or impact your vision or balance, they can be very uncomfortable.

These headaches can be cause by stress, not getting enough sleep, being hungry, and your posture. Because tension headaches are common and minor headaches, they should be treated non-medically if possible. Try adjusting your sleep habits, eating healthy meals, and taking time to relax throughout the day. If you’re still experiencing headaches, it may be a result of a misalignment of your spine and you should reach out to a chiropractor.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are short in duration and typically occur on one side of your head and face. They are extremely painful (they can be compared with the severity of migraines only shorter in duration) and can happen every day for up to months at a time. Cluster headaches are seasonal, but are not connected with allergies.

The cause of cluster headaches is still unclear, chiropractors do know that the headaches involve the trigeminal nerve in your face. Because these headaches concern nerve pain, you should reach out to a chiropractor for treatment. Nerve pain is sometimes caused by a misalignment with your spine. A chiropractor can properly align the region in your spine that is pressing on that nerve and can prevent future cluster headaches.

Migraines

Migraines are the most severe forms of headaches. They can last for hours and are debilitating, interrupting your daily activities. Symptoms include vomiting, temporary vision loss, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is so severe that many migraine sufferers have to shut themselves in a dark room until the headache has subsided.

Tension headaches and migraines have similar causes: stress, lack of sleep, muscle tension in the neck, diet, and dehydration. If you are suffering from migraines, make adjustments in these areas of your life before turning to any over-the-counter medication. Drink lots of water throughout the day, stretch, be aware of your posture, and get enough sleep.

If your migraines persist, reach out to a chiropractor. Chiropractors can make adjustments to your spine to help relieve any muscle tension in your neck that may be causing your migraines. After a few weeks of treatment, you should be able to feel a radical difference in the duration and occurrence of your migraines.

Seeing a headache doctor regularly can not only help treat any current headache troubles you currently have, but can also help prevent future headaches. Chiropractors can also recommend exercises you can do at home when you start feeling a headache coming on. Reach out to a chiropractor today to schedule a consultation.