Headache Treatment in Santa Fe, NM
Research shows that chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. A 2014 report in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for treating acute and chronic neck pain. Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care can improve migraine and cervicogenic headaches. Another study published in the European Journal of Neurology compared chiropractic spinal manipulation with a common medication for migraines. The study found that both treatments were equally effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines, but chiropractic care had fewer side effects.
Headaches have many causes or "triggers." These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.), and behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About 5 percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems. The remaining 95 percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.
Most primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck and head resulting from uncorrected vertebral and cranial subluxations. Utilizing the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique and its specific system of neuromuscular analysis, we can successfully treat the underlying cause of this type of headache.
Other Causes of Headaches
A variety of factors can cause primary headaches, including common headaches like migraines. The good news is that many of these lifestyle factors are habits you can control. By understanding the underlying causes of headaches, you can make the necessary changes to find lasting relief.
Ironically, one of the most common causes of headaches, including migraines, is the medication usually prescribed to treat them. Overuse of many over-the-counter medications is a leading factor in a refractory or bounce-back headache, which is why pills may not be the best option for care. Many tension headaches start with repetitive motion and poor posture while sitting or standing at work.
Maintaining proper posture with shoulders back and spine aligned can help prevent future episodes of head pain. Additionally, substances found in coffee, cheese, alcohol, and meats can trigger headaches, so moderation is key. By being mindful of these factors, you can better manage your headache symptoms and improve your overall wellness.
Headaches Every Day? Keep reading…
Life can be busy and stressful, which can lead to an increased likelihood of developing chronic headaches that become more frequent and severe with time. These headaches are a clear signal from your body that it requires attention, possibly due to a lack of quality sleep, nutritional challenges, or even postural issues contributing to a cycle of daily headaches.
Daily headaches indicate that something in your lifestyle needs to change. While researchers have struggled to pinpoint an exact cause for every type of headache, they have identified various risk factors that can lead to chronic headaches. Factors such as diet, stress levels, and physical activity can influence the severity and frequency of headaches, making it crucial to consider chiropractic treatments and adjustments as part of your health journey.
Researchers have discovered a close link between what you eat, your stress, and hormone levels and how that can impact your chances of developing chronic headaches. A balanced diet, consistent sleeping patterns, and chiropractic care have all been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing chronic headaches.
Types of Headaches
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common headaches people experience. They are often described as a dull, aching pain that feels like a tight band around the head. Stress, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can trigger tension headaches.
Migraine Headaches
A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, typically affecting one side of the head. Often, migraine headaches are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound, making them a common complaint among chiropractic patients. These migraine attacks can persist for hours to days, severely impacting daily activities and overall wellness.
For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the migraine headaches. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are excruciatingly painful headaches that occur in clusters or cycles over weeks or months. They typically affect one side of the head and are often accompanied by eye redness, nasal congestion, or drooping eyelids. Although cluster headaches are rare, they can significantly impact a person's quality of life during an episode.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Your brain doesn't have any nerve fibers that transmit pain signals. Headaches are felt by the tissues that support your brain, head, and
neck. Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the neck or cervical spine region. These types of headaches can be caused by conditions such as whiplash injuries, degenerative disc disease, or cervical osteoarthritis. Symptoms may include pain at the base of the skull, neck stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches
Chiropractic treatment for headaches offers a drug-free alternative to pain relief. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat headaches come with unwanted side effects or can be habit-forming. Chiropractic care provides a natural approach to managing headache symptoms without relying on medication.
Furthermore, chiropractic treatment addresses the most prevalent root cause of headaches rather than simply masking the pain. By correcting spinal misalignments or subluxations, chiropractors can provide long-term relief from headache symptoms.
Regular chiropractic care helps alleviate specific types of headaches and promotes overall spinal health. When aligned correctly, your spine supports optimal nervous system function, crucial in maintaining general health and well-being.
