Headaches, and their thoroughly nefarious cousins, migraines, are a common problem in Australia, affecting millions of people. For those people who experience migraines, they know that what they are experiencing is not ‘just a headache’. Of course, for the rest of us, headaches can also be debilitating, affecting cognition, attention, sleep, and even interpersonal relationships. In short, headaches (and especially migraines) are bad for us!
While medication is often used to manage the symptoms of these conditions, Chiropractic Care can provide a natural and effective alternative. While paracetamol or ibuprofen may treat the pain, Chiropractic works to treat the root cause of the pain.
How will a Chiropractic adjustment help with your headache pain or migraines?
Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system, which can be a contributing factor to headaches and migraines. Your Chiropractor will use spinal adjustments, massage and other techniques to help alleviate tension and promote healing in the body.
Chiropractic assessment for headaches
Chiropractic care for headaches typically begins with an initial consultation. Your Chiropractor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Alongside a physical examination, they may also order diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your headaches or migraines.
Studies have shown that Chiropractic Care can be effective in treating tension and cervicogenic headaches, as well as in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraines. Tension headaches commonly present as a band-like pressure around the head, with the head usually hurting on both sides. Cervicogenic headaches stem from problems in the neck, with pain around one or both eyes and possibly in the neck, shoulder and arm. Migraine headaches are more likely to occur as intense pain on one side of the head, often in conjunction with nausea and light and/or sound sensitivity.
Chiropractic treatment for headaches
Based on the findings from the initial consultation, including your headache type, your Chiropractor will create a personalised treatment plan. The frequency and duration of your Chiropractic treatments will depend on the severity of your headaches and the underlying causes.
Chiropractic adjustments will be used to restore and enhance motion in the spine, bringing the body back to proper alignment. These adjustments are safe and gentle low-force techniques that aim to optimise your nervous system and treat stress and obstructions that may be causing your headaches. Alongside spinal adjustments, your Chiropractor may also use various soft-tissue techniques, stretching and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Chiropractic follow-up and at-home headache reduction help
As part of your treatment plan, your Chiropractor is likely to recommend a program of care that includes not only follow-up adjustments but also lifestyle changes. These may include a specialised exercise program, diet, behavioural changes or posture realignment. Simple changes such as drinking more water, getting enough sleep and mitigating stress are often headache-reduction miracles!
Is Chiropractic care for headaches right for you?
If you suffer from headaches or migraines, Chiropractic care may be the treatment option you’ve been searching for. It’s important, however, to consult with your Chiropractor to determine if it is the right choice for you. Your Chiropractor will evaluate your symptoms, medical history and overall health to determine if Chiropractic will be safe and effective. They may also consider referral and co-management as necessary.
Contact a Melbourne Chiropractor for Chiropractic headache care
It is extremely important to take headaches seriously. You should consider seeing a Chiropractor if you often have headaches, if you frequently take medicinal pain relief for headaches if your pattern of headaches changes, or if your headaches are getting worse.
Please note: you should always seek prompt medical attention if your headache is sudden and severe, follows a head injury, or is accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking.
At Northcote Health and Wellness, we are dedicated to providing effective and natural headache and migraine relief. Book an appointment online today or call our Northcote Chiropractic clinic directly for more information.
? Chris@northcotehw.com.au
