How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Headaches

Half to three-quarters of the world’s population aged 18 to 65 have had a headache in the last year. Headaches are one of the most common conditions in the world, and they are also one of the most disliked. If you often have headaches or migraines, you may have tried many different treatments, but to no avail.

But what about chiropractic treatment? Can a chiropractor help with headaches? Many people think that chiropractors only aim to fix spinal problems, but their scope of treatment goes much further than that.

If your upper spine is causing your headaches, a chiropractor for migraines may be able to help you. Keep reading and learn more about how a chiropractor can help with different types of headaches.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Headaches?

There are many types of headaches, and they can be caused by many different things. Some headaches are caused by stress or a lack of sleep; others may not have any identifiable cause. Some headaches may be due to misalignment in the cervical spine, also known as the neck. Chiropractors can help treat headaches, but it will depend on what is causing your headache. If you have a tension headache, you may just need to take a nap to feel better.

If the headache stems from your cervical spine, a chiropractor can certainly help you. This is known as a cervicogenic headache. These headaches often occur when the neck is misaligned. This can happen if you have poor posture or if you slept wrong on your neck. The headaches may also happen once you get older and the bones in your spine start to wear down.

Many people turn to traditional treatments for headaches, such as tea and OTC pain medication. While these methods may help reduce the pain, they typically won’t fix the root of the problem. This is what chiropractic treatment aims to do. A chiropractor can identify what kind of headache you may have and then create a treatment plan. Some chiropractors also know a lot about physical therapy. Physical therapy for headaches can be a big help for many people.

Stopping the Root of the Headaches With Chiropractic Treatment

Some recurrent headaches may arise due to an old neck injury. Suppose you suffered from whiplash many years ago due to a car accident. That injury may not have hurt you back then, but many years later, it may give you constant or recurrent neck and head pain. Physical therapy, in addition to chiropractic treatment, may be what you need to get the relief you’re looking for.

Scientific studies have shown that chiropractic treatment can improve headache symptoms, especially pain. Many people get instant relief after the chiropractic treatment is over. Others may need to be treated by the chiropractor several times before noticing any improvements. This is important if you often suffer from headaches. Some people have headaches that are so severe that it can be difficult for them to think or complete basic tasks. If this sounds like you, it may be time to consider chiropractic treatment.

But what should you expect?

The Chiropractic Treatment Process

Before your chiropractor adjusts your spine, they may want to take some scans of your spine. They may take an X-ray to see how your neck aligns with the rest of your spine. If they see that your neck is misaligned, this is likely the cause of your headaches. They will then create a treatment plan to approach this issue.

Getting a spinal adjustment is very straightforward. Make sure you go to a professional chiropractor with plenty of experience. A more experienced chiropractor will know a variety of spinal manipulation techniques. They will also know more about the best ways to approach spinal misalignment. A chiropractor will typically have you lie face down for the treatment process. This gives the chiropractor plenty of access to your spine. They will focus on the upper part of your spine and how your neck connects both to your spine and skull. Getting a chiropractic alignment should not hurt.

If you feel any pain during the procedure, don’t be afraid to tell the chiropractor to stop. You may feel some pressure when the chiropractor presses on your spine, but this is normal.

How It Works

Don’t be alarmed if your spine pops or crackles when the chiropractor presses on it. These sounds are due to air pockets trapped within the spine. These pockets can contribute to misalignments and can make your neck stiff. The chiropractor may pull or twist your neck in controlled ways to release tension in this area.

The chiropractor may also push on the back or side of your neck to release pressure from the spine. Many people feel immediate relief after the tension is released from their necks. After the procedure, you may also notice that your neck feels more mobile and fluid. This is because there will be less resistance and inflammation in the area. This should directly affect your headaches. If you had a headache during the appointment, it may go away soon afterward. Regular chiropractic treatment may also keep recurrent headaches at bay.

All About Chiropractic Treatment and Headaches

Can a chiropractor help with headaches? In short, yes. Misalignment may cause headaches from issues starting in your upper spine and neck.

A chiropractor can check if this is the case. A chiropractor can then manipulate your neck in specific ways that put it back into alignment. This can help reduce your headache pain and prevent headaches from coming back.

Are you ready to get rid of your headaches? Check out our services and see how we can help.