Chiropractic care is one of the best, most natural ways to alleviate and prevent headaches. Many of our patients come to us for help with their headaches and migraines, and have had amazing results. Many of our patients come to us for other reasons, not even thinking about their “usual discomfort”, and have had impressive reductions in severity and frequency of their headaches as well…. Bonus!
What causes headaches?
Stress and tension are at the top of the list for both “regular” and migraine headaches though there are many reasons why people get headaches. The source of cervicogenic headaches (coming from the neck) is often misalignments in the bones in the neck, poor range of motion in those joints, poor posture (forward head carriage), and carrying tension in the neck and shoulders. All of these factors affect nervous system flow. If your nervous system is under stress, so are you. Headaches can be a way that your body is telling you that something is out of place, and you would benefit from the expert help of a Chiropractor.
Migraines can be brought on by acute and chronic neck issues. They can also be caused by perfumes, colognes and fragrances (maybe even your own!) This is why our clinic and Centenary Hospital are a scent free zone. The chemicals used to create these smells and have them last through your day can be toxic. If you love scents, try opting for aromatherapy with essential oils. Foods can trigger migraines (prevalently dairy and gluten among many others). Changes in weather and light can be factors.
Whiplash and neck injuries, recent or in the past, can be at cause in your discomfort. It is best to get assessed by a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnostic imaging like x-rays, CT scans and MRI’s may be helpful in having a better understanding of what’s going on, and how long it has been going on for (i.e. Degenerative Disc Disease). Many of our patients have reported they have no injuries but when asked, they recall an incident like falling down the stairs as a child. Insults like these can add up in your body and show up in sometimes unexpected ways if they are not properly addressed and healed .
We are obsessed with posture correction! Poor posture (tech neck) and muscle imbalances can be at the root of your discomfort. Having your 10 – 12lb head sitting farther forward than it is designed to causes nerve irritation in the nerves running through your neck. They can become stretched and irritated, not able allow proper communication from your brain to your body and back again. This in turn causes irritation and tension in your neck muscles , alerting you that there is a problem that needs addressing. Rounded, forward shoulders don’t allow your back muscles to support you the way they are meant to, which can cause your neck to have to pick up the slack, adding to your strain.
What can help?
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Myofascial release
- Massage therapy
- Your custom posture correction program
- Fisiocrem (All natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief cream) Click here to learn more.
- Using a pillow best suited to you (Contact us to book a pillow consultation) Click here to learn more.
- Doing your posture correction exercises and stretches
- Essential oils (Peppermint, Rosemary and Lavender are know to help)
- Denneroll use to restore your optimal neck curve (Cervical traction device prescribed by your Chiropractor based on clinical findings)
- Clean, plant-rich eating (not only providing your body necessary building blocks to function and heal, but also reducing toxins that may cause headaches)
- Eliminating food triggers
- Hydration
- Quality sleep
Call or email for help!
https://chiropractic.ca/back-care-tips/6-ways-chiropractic-care-can-help-manage-headaches/