Headaches & Migraines

During a given year, 90% of people suffer from headaches. It is estimated that women are three times more prone than men to suffer from migraines. Migraines appear to be experienced by 12% to 18% of the population.

Many people aren’t aware that headaches (cervicogenic) are actually commonly treated by a Chiropractor. There are many causes of headaches, which include inflammation of the muscles or spinal cord, nerve compression or irritated joints in the neck. Many headaches stem from a muscular or associated neck component, which is something we see daily at Espina Chiropractic.

If your general practitioner has examined you and has been unable to determine a specific cause of your headaches or has indeed suggested that they may be due to the muscles and bones of the neck, it may be helpful to visit a chiropractor for further examination.

Such a pain in the head

Prolonged Posture & Inflammation

Prolonged posture, particularly spent at a computer or similar workstation can lead to musclar aches, contraction and tensing of the muscles around the neck and back areas. In turn, this can lead to tension headaches. Pain occurs around the head and neck, often increasing as prolonged posture and working habits continue. Chiropractors can address the pain through a range of treatments after conducting a history and physical examination. The goals will be to address the problem while suggesting ways to improve posture and working conditions.

Nerve Compression & Irritated Joints

Joints in the spine contain many nerve fibres. Any kind of injury or strain may potentially damage the nerves, resulting in extreme pain and headaches. The muscles become stiff and this affects the joints in the spine, called your vertebrae. The surrounding ligaments can also become strained and injured, which further increases headache pain. A chiropractor can, however, successfully treat cervicogenic headaches, which will also ease other associated pain.

Cervicogenic Headaches

A cervicogenic headache is caused by the cervical spine and can occur from an absence of mobility in the upper cervical area. The term is used to refer to headaches where the primary cause is the spine. Chiropractic care is proven to be very helpful for this type of headache because it can address the source directly. It is also suggested as a helpful treatment for other neck related types of headaches such as common tension headaches, because they may share the same cervical element.

Migraines

Migraines are a severe type of headache which chiropractic care acts well to prevent. Your Chiropractor can discuss with you whether he or she is able to help prevent your migraines.

Tension Headaches

Chiropractic treatment of tension headaches will involve an in-depth look at your lifestyle and any postural, work or related trends that may be triggering headaches. Although pain relievers can temporarily reduce the pain, a Chiropractor will focus on the root cause of the headaches and can successfully relieve headaches through:

  • Determination of the nerves, muscles and joints contributing to the headaches.
  • Appropriate adjustments to the neck and upper back.
  • Tailored advice and tips for reducing stress in your life.
  • Supportive information regarding exercise and healthy posture.

Chiropractors sometimes recommend that care begins before there is a problem, which can be helpful as part of your preventative health management. If you are already suffering from headaches, then it is even more important to investigate whether there is a spinal component to your pain.

Don’t just take our word for it…

My visit to Espina Chiropractic this week was a breath of fresh air, and so relaxing. The treatment was as good as any that I have received over the years that I have been visiting the clinic. They have made fantastic progress with my Migraines. Thank you!

Linda

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