What Are Headaches?
A headache is pain associated with your head or face. Primary headaches are headaches which are not caused by an underlying medical condition. Examples of primary headaches include migraines and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are headaches caused by an underlying medical condition. Examples of secondary headaches include sinus headaches and dehydration headaches.
Causes of Headaches
There are several factors which can cause headaches, including muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulder muscles, and poor spinal alignment, which puts pressure on nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sinus issues, and temporomandibular joint problems can also lead to headaches.
What You Can Do for Mild Headache Pain
If you have mild, occasional headache pain, you may be able to get relief if you:
- Apply hot or cold packs to your forehead, neck, and shoulders
- Do gentle neck and shoulder rolls to relax muscles
- Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
When To Visit Your Chiropractor for Headaches
You should visit your chiropractor for headache treatment if:
- Your headaches continue or are getting worse
- Your headaches aren’t relieved by simple home treatments
- Your headaches are interfering with your quality of life
How Your Chiropractor Can Help with Headaches
Chiropractic treatment begins with a discussion of what triggers your headache symptoms. Your chiropractor will also perform a comprehensive examination of your body alignment, including your spine, and your posture. Your chiropractor will develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include:
- Manual neck and spinal adjustments, to realign your neck and spine and reduce pressure on your nerves
- Neck and shoulder therapeutic massage, to improve circulation and relax muscle tension
- Biofeedback training, to monitor areas of tense muscles, and teach you how to relax your painful muscles
- Relaxation training, including deep breathing, meditation, and stress reduction techniques
- Lifestyle modifications including dietary changes to reduce caffeine, red wine, and other substances which can cause headaches