Migraine and headache sufferers, have you ever tried chiropractic care?
Fortunately, many different treatment options are available to help you find relief, including chiropractic care. You may be surprised to learn that chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to find relief from migraine and headache pain.
Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the nervous system, and they may be able to help improve your migraine or headache symptoms.
So, if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to manage your pain, consider seeking chiropractic care. You may be surprised at just how much it can help.
Common causes of headaches
A variety of factors can cause headaches. The most common and often overlooked cause is nerve irritation in the cervical (neck) region caused by poorly functioning spinal joints, a condition known as vertebral subluxation.
The nerves that supply the scalp originate in the top three vertebrae and influence the blood vessels in the skull. As a result, any irritation to these can frequently result in a headache.
A migraine is a type of headache that occurs regularly and is typically accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. If left untreated, it can cause moderate to severe pain and be disabling.
Other factors that can aggravate the source of your headaches include:
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Lighting (sensitivity to light)
- Food intolerances
- Inadequate posture
- Prescription medication
- Toxicity in the environment such as pollution, odours etc.
Chiropractic care for migraine and headache relief
Chiropractors treat headaches and migraines in a conservative, preventative manner. Our techniques are gentle, safe, and effective in locating the cause of the headache. We understand that medication only masks the pain and provides no long-term solution or prevention for your headaches.
Migraines can originate in the spine in some people. Mechanical dysfunction of the vertebrae (spinal column bones) or chiropractic subluxation can irritate the nerves that run the length of the spine and to the brain. These biomechanical dysfunctions can predispose the individual to various neurological imbalances in the brain. Chiropractors can restore proper movement and allow appropriate stimulation and feedback to relieve nerve irritation and pain symptoms.
When Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation techniques, this to reduces stress and improves spinal function to treat migraine headaches.
We can reduce the amount of nerve irritation and thus the muscle spasm by improving movement in the spinal joints of the neck and upper thoracic areas. This provides a very effective and sometimes immediate reduction to the cause of your headaches.
If our chiropractors believe that additional diagnostic treatment is required to make a definitive diagnosis of your headaches, X-Rays or an MRI scan may be recommended.
Migraine and Headache Relief with Chiropractic Treatment
When treating migraines, a chiropractor aims to relieve discomfort and improve neuromusculoskeletal health. Treatments work due to their multidimensional approach, reducing muscle tension and stress reduces musculoskeletal pain.
Chiropractic treatment also include:
- Massage, which includes joint and muscular kneading.
- Myofascial release, a massage that specifically targets the fascia that links and supports your muscles.
- Trigger point therapies aim to relax tight muscles.
Lifestyle changes such as:
- Modifying one’s diet and taking appropriate supplements
- Being mindful of how strenuous activity may influence your symptoms, and considering alternative exercise programs Counselling on posture, such as how to sit correctly at work.
- Advise how meditation, breathing and mindfulness can influence symptoms
- Advising patients of adequate water intake to avoid dehydration which is a common headache trigger.
How often should you go to a chiropractor for migraines?
The frequency of going to a chiropractor for migraines will vary from person to person and is based on an individual comprehensive chiropractic assessment. Someone who is experiencing frequent, debilitating migraines would require more treatments in the early phases of care with a focus of easing symptoms and recurrence as quickly as possible. We always re-evaluate the treatment schedule to ensure your needs are being met and your health goals are being achieved in your expected time frame.
Sometimes it seems amazing how quickly headache and migraine symptoms and frequency is resolved. This is often the case with people who consult with chiropractors early, rather than waiting until their health has deteriorated. It’s always better to be assessed sooner rather than later.
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and dizziness?
Yes, many people have successfully used chiropractic treatments to alleviate dizziness, headaches, neck pain, nausea, and other vertigo symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments can help with acute and chronic neck discomfort, reducing the number of headaches you have, regardless of the type of headache you are experiencing.
As a result of the neurological connection, chiropractic treatments may be the best line of treatment for your dizziness.
Final thoughts on Chiropractic Treatment for Migraine & Headache Relief
Suffering from migraines and headaches is not normal.
If you are experiencing migraines and headaches, this indicates that something is wrong with your body’s function.
People frequently consult a chiropractor to treat migraine because they get relief without the side effects that medication may cause.
If you are in need of migraine and headache pain relief, book an appointment at Wellness Chiropractic for your personalised chiropractic care and treatment plan!
