Is It Worth Seeing a Chiropractor For Headache Relief?

Can a Chiropractor Help a Headache?

Chiropractic can help us improve many of the conditions affecting our nervous and musculoskeletal systems. But is there anything a chiropractor can do for headaches? 

If you experience episodic headache attacks or migraines, you probably understand perfectly how bad they can impact your life’s quality. When a headache strikes, most people are unable to process emotions or think clearly, and finding relief becomes a top priority.

The fastest solution most people dealing with debilitating migraine headaches resort to is painkillers. But, as effective as these might be at curbing tension headaches or migraine attacks, they aren’t a feasible long-term solution. 

A great deal of over-the-counter pills we take without a second thought can produce unwanted side effects, and are not well tolerated by the body. On top of this, research shows that the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs increases the risk of ulcers, acute renal failures, and strokes. 

So what should you do when modern medicine has no definitive solution to treat migraine pain? Or, when a person doesn’t want to get exposed to the many health risks painkillers come with?

Many adults suffering from tension headaches and migraines are turning to alternative therapies for pain relief, including chiropractic. In this post, we’ll show you why it’s worth seeing a chiropractor for headache pain. We’ll also analyze some habits you could change or adjust to experience long-lasting relief.

What Causes Headache Pain

Most of us have probably experienced a migraine headache at some point or stage in our lives. Although hard to describe, head pains are either localized in one part of the head or are generalized, surrounding the whole skull. When asked to describe their ache, most people will tell something along the lines of: throbbing, intermittent, squeezing, constant, or unrelenting.

Headaches are among the most common conditions adults suffer worldwide. And yet, not everyone has the curiosity to look more in-depth into what causes headaches and migraine attacks in the first place. 

Knowing the cause of your pain is essential when looking for long-lasting relief. That’s why, before looking at whether seeing a chiropractor for headache relief is a good idea, let’s first see the main factors leading to headaches.

Headaches are caused by pain signals sent to the brain by specific nerves. Sometimes, these same nerve cells overreact to various triggers, resulting in a disabling pain we commonly call migraine.

But what are these triggers that cause headaches and migraines?

Common Headache Triggers

• Alcohol use

• Lack of sleep

• Infections

• Blood tension

• Muscle tension

• Drug abuse and drug withdrawal

• Prolonged computer usage

• Hormonal changes

• Depression

• Emotional stress

• Back strain caused by poor posture

• Lighting

• Noise

• Weather changes

Can Chiropractic Treatment Cure a Patient’s Headaches? 

Can seeing a chiropractor for headaches help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines? The available evidence suggests it can! 

According to research studies, regular chiropractic treatments appear to be a good choice to help prevent chronic headaches. This particular therapy may be useful for people who don’t respond well to preventative drug treatment, including those wishing to avoid drugs altogether as well.

A few weeks after starting corrective chiropractic care, frequent headache sufferers experienced an increase in pain-free days, reduced medication usage, and decreased anxiety. As for the long-term benefits of chiropractic in treating migraines, the jury is still out, but it’s looking promising!

What’s the mechanism behind chiropractic adjustments that makes them an effective treatment for headaches?

Chiropractic adjustments treat the underlying physical conditions causing chronic pain and illness. By targeting and releasing tension areas in the body, spinal manipulation allows for better movement of body fluids. Plus, it assists the body’s natural healing process.

Apart from offering relief from head pain, and restoring the body’s mobility and functioning, chiropractic can also:

• Improve the function of the lymphatic system

• Correct oxygen blockages caused by hypertension

• Release tension in nerves, joints, and muscles

• Can help improve osteoarthritis symptoms

• Promote natural healing

• Promote sleep

What To Expect When Visiting Our Clinic

If you come to our clinic looking for help, we’ll start by doing an initial assessment of your condition. Then, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan for headache relief. Your headache treatment will focus on relieving tension in the muscles at the base of the skull, neck, and shoulders. All these areas impact pain by directly affecting blood flow and the sensitivity of the nerves inside your head.

We’ll also analyze your posture and help you correct any imbalances caused by habit, work, or injury. By releasing tension from the muscles and trigger points, plus helping your posture improve, we’ll aim to provide you with long-term migraine relief and management.

Wrapping Up Chiropractic Care For Headaches

Anybody who suffers from chronic headaches or migraines can benefit from a visit to the chiropractor. Even if you don’t believe in alternative treatments, it’s worth knowing most headaches are caused by musculoskeletal tension or postural issues. Both can be successfully treated by a chiropractor. So, what have you got to lose by giving chiropractic care a try for treating headaches?

In our Los Gatos Chiropractic clinic we don’t only focus on helping you get rid of headaches and migraines. We also aim to help you understand what causes your disorder so that you can avoid and minimize potential triggers. 

We look forward to hearing from you! Get in touch with us online, or by calling us at 408-356-9125.

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