Tension Headache / Migraine treatment

Headaches are one of the most common reasons for visiting the Chiropractor.

 

More than 300 Million working days are lost each year due to headaches.  Cervicogenic headaches are headaches related to problems in your neck. The neck problems can often be associated with posture. For example with the neck extended forward when looking at a computer screen. See Office Ergonomics Neck muscle tightness can lead to headaches and migraines. 

 

A Chiropractor is trained to diagnose the cause of the headaches and treat accordingly. Treatment involves safe, specific adjustments particularly to the neck and upper back to relieve the nerve pressure, the muscle spasm and to improve circulation to the brain. Massage therapy is used in conjunction to the specific adjustment/manipulation to relax the muscles of the neck.

 

Pain killing medication (ibuprofen)  that is often used to treat headaches actually treat the symptom rather than the cause. Chiropractic care treats the cause of headaches.

 

Helpful Hints for Headache Sufferers: 

 

Headaches/ Migraines can often be caused by dietary issues. It is worth considering avoiding red meat, processed meats, dairy, nuts, caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, white flour, monosodium glutamate(MSG) and shellfish.

 

An often overlooked issue is dehydration.  If someone is prone to headaches / migraine then these can often be triggered by dehydration. A great way of avoiding this is to drink a pint of water every morning when you get up and try and drink steadily throughout the day.  

Migraine Triggers

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.  Visual distortions are often seen at the onset of a migraine. Migraines can be very debilitating for the sufferer can be forced to lie down in a dark room.

 

My husband and I both suffer from migraines so have a real insight into how debilitating they can be.

 

Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light. Migraines affect around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. Migraines is women can be hormone related and occur at regular intervals each month.

  

Once again I have also found dehydration to be a migraine trigger. 

 

Neck issues can be trigger for migraines and a neck adjustment can bring relief to a migraine sufferer. However everyone is different and everyone triggers are different. A migraine could be triggered by a single or combination of issues. 

  • Neck issues
  • Upper back issues
  • Posture
  • Diet
  • Stress /over work
  • Dehydration
  • Hormones (in women)

Over time you will gradually work out your own triggers and hopefully be able to reduce the frequency of migraines. I have found that a neck adjustment at the onset of a migraine can help reduce the severity.

 

Acupucture can also help with migraine and headaches.