Headaches in Seattle? Our Chiropractors can help!
Headaches have become so commonplace in society today that many believe having a headache everyday is a normal way of life. Others deal with frequent and occasional headaches that range from a dull ache to life-altering, debilitating pain.
This commonality is only confused at the varying responses people take to control or stop a pounding headache.
Many just take a grin and bear it approach, which others become dependent on a pill popping regiment that ultimately never solves the problem.
This is what makes chiropractic so special. A chiropractic evaluation can assess what is the best approach to help your body function at a level where most types of headaches are no longer an issue. This “alternative” approach to headache treatment is exactly why a chiropractor should be seen as soon as possible at the first sign of a headache.
Research continues to show that chiropractic adjustments, the main form of aligning the spinal column performed by chiropractors, are effective in solving headaches that are linked to neck pain and tension. According to a paper from 2001, spinal adjustments caused nearly immediate improvement for headaches related to the neck and had significantly less side effect and results that lasted much longer than medications that are commonly prescribed.
This study was conducted at Evidence-Based Practice Center at Duke University.
Another study, performed in 1995 by JMPT showed that chiropractic adjustments were an excellent choice for people who suffer from tension headaches. The results showed that adjustments by a doctor of chiropractic were superior in outcome in comparison to the patients who received common prescription headache drugs.
Headache Triggers
Headaches can be triggered by a variety of causes. They can range from food sensitivity, noise, lights, stress, and certain behaviors. These behaviors can include lack of sleep, extreme exercise, caffeine intake, and nutrition. Approximately only five percent of all headaches are caused by a actual physical problems.
The other ninety-five percent of headaches are considered to be primary headaches. These include cluster, tension, and migraines. These issues are not secondary to a more significant disease or syndrome, but are the actual cause of concern.
The greatest cause of primary headaches is thought to be cervical muscle tension. Due to the lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, and prolonged positions at a desk or computer, our bodies are more vulnerable to primary headache than ever. The combination of joint immobility and muscle tightness in the cervical and thoracic spine can be at the root of a chronic primary headache condition.
How can a chiropractor help?
A chiropractor is an expert in spinal correction which will help alleviate headache symptoms and effectively correct the root cause of most primary headaches. Through proper spinal analysis, which can include x-rays, spinal palpation, and a thorough history, the correct decisions can be made so headaches are an exception and not the rule.
In addition to spinal correction through adjustments, a chiropractor may also want to review nutritional information in order to rule out any other causes.
Other recommendations are also typically made that include ergonomic evaluations, postural exercises, and appropriate spinal traction when indicated. These elements can help the body promote change and stabilize a persons body while receiving chiropractic care.
Suggestions may also include drinking enough water, as dehydration can also be a leading cause of headaches. Yoga can also provide relief in areas of tension in the body, and may be a complimentary solution to chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractors are highly trained professionals that not only deal with neck pain and back pain, but take the entire body and nervous system into account in their solution. Spinal tension may be a root cause, but overall wellness can be increase through proper chiropractic care.
If you live in Seattle and want an effective solution to your headaches, please consider seeing a local chiropractor first.call to make an appointment with a chiropractor at Queen Anne Chiropractic Center.