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Headaches

Before looking for a headache remedy, one should understand the origin of the headache. Spinal manipulations have shown to decrease the severity and frequency of headaches, because they usually are due to a misaligned spine. Poor posture or injury can force your vertebrae out of place

and pressure the nerves. These nerves can send painful signals to the muscles surrounding the neck and cause a headache. The spinal manipulations straighten your spine and relax the muscles.

There are several types of headaches; including tension, migraine and cervicogenic. Most people experience the tension headache, which includes moderate pain on both sides of the head. It is often described as a pressure that is squeezing your head causing the pain. Migraines are more severe and are usually described as a throbbing pain. Sometimes a migraine can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and in some cases vision difficulties. If you get migraine headaches regularly, keep a record of the foods you eat. You might notice that your headaches are caused by specific foods. The cervicogenic headache is related to the spine and causes most tension type headaches.

Not all headaches are cause by spinal misalignments but you should consult your chiropractor before you begin any treatments. Sometimes caffeine, lack of nutrients, stress, allergies, menstruation, or poor sleep habits can cause headaches. In some cases of reoccurring headaches the location of the pain can clue you into a more severe problem. A headache located above the right eye may indicate a liver problem. Pain at the top of your head could indicate a kidney problem or high blood pressure. If you experience pain at the back of the neck, high stress levels probably cause the headache.

Your chiropractor will conduct physical, orthopedic and neurological tests to reveal the condition of your spine. A palpation test can check for irregularities in the spine that may be the cause of your headaches. Sometimes and x-ray is necessary. Your chiropractor may consult with other medical specialists if the test results dictate further exams.

Looking for a Headache Remedy?

Chiropractors do not prescribe medications or recommend surgery (rarely a treatment for headaches), but instead have had success relieving the pain associated with headaches. Taking aspirin every day as a headache remedy can lead to increased doses and even more severe headaches in the long run. The medicine taken for today's headache may give you one tomorrow or the days after. Chiropractic has been extremely successful in dealing with cervicogenic headaches. A chiropractor's ability to adjust spinal abnormalities lessens the forces contributing to headache pain. Other manual techniques such as massage and heat therapy can be a useful headache remedy.

Please Note: The information provided here is merely referential and informative. It is in no way a representation of professional medical advice and you should consult your chiropractor to determine any possible diagnosis and treatment methods that you may require.

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