According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than 4 million adults experience chronic migraines. Migraines are a specific type of headache that is known for recurring, throbbing pain from a moderate to a severe level, typically on one side of the head. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for managing many types of headaches. Chiropractors are trained to identify structural problems and underlying conditions that cause headaches. There are many ways your chiropractic physician can provide therapeutic interventions to help manage the pain and frequency of headaches.
1. Spinal Alignment
The body is a complex of integrated systems, with the spine being a central support and information conduit coordinating those systems. Chiropractors recognize that misalignments of the spine can disrupt the proper function of the nervous system. This results in headaches, migraines, and neck pain. When performing gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractors strive to restore proper joint motion and optimal spinal alignment. These adjustments can alleviate the pressure that misaligned and restricted joints place on the nerves. This organically restores normal nerve function, resulting in significant reduction in the frequency, duration, and intensity of headaches and migraines.
2. Muscle Tension Relief
Many people suffer from tense muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Tension in these areas may be caused by many factors, including overuse at work, improper posture, and stress. When muscles are tense in the neck, shoulders, and upper back areas this often contributes to migraines and neck pain. Chiropractors utilize soft tissue therapy to relieve neck tens. These techniques include stretching, massage therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, and ultrasound which stimulate circulation and help relax muscles. These interventions can also assist with preventing recurring pain.
3. Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is one technique that chiropractors may use to target specific areas of muscle tightness that can cause headaches. Trigger points are localized areas that cause pain and stiffness within a muscle. This muscle tightness develops due to various factors, such as overuse of muscles, trauma, and poor posture. The chiropractor will locate the specific trigger points associated with the patient's headache or migraine symptoms and apply pressure. By applying pressure to these trigger points, the chiropractor can release muscle tension, and restore circulation and spinal alignment to alleviate headaches and migraines.
4. Posture Correction
The natural structure of the human body functions best when its parts are held in optimal alignment. Poor posture and spine misalignments cause stress to the muscles and joints in the neck and spine. This stress accumulates as the body tries to compensate for the added force (often due to gravity) on the body. Poor posture, primarily related to prolonged sitting, can strain the neck and spine, leading to headaches. Poor seated posture can push the head forward, away from the ideal position: head over the shoulders. This forward head position leads to tension and discomfort and often contributes to headaches and neck pain. A chiropractor can illustrate correct posture for their patients, advise them on techniques to keep them mindful of proper posture management and train them to perform core exercises to strengthen postural muscles and maintain posture.
5. Lifestyle Recommendations
While chiropractors treat headaches and migraines, they also provide patients with tools to improve their quality of life. Chiropractors often offer lifestyle recommendations to complement their treatments and to prevent the recurrence of pain and dysfunction. They may include diet changes, stress management techniques, and exercises to strengthen the neck and back. By addressing lifestyle factors, chiropractic care aims to address the causes of headaches and neck pain and enhance overall well-being. These recommendations educate individuals to participate in their healing process and health maintenance.
How Your Auburn Chiropractor Can Help
At Auburn Chiropractic Associates, we want to help you live your healthiest and happiest life without headaches and neck pain interference. Our team strives to provide non-invasive, drug-free, conservative health care for people of all ages in and around the Auburn area. Our goals are safe and effective treatment as we equip you with preventative care strategies to ensure the highest quality outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can help you live your healthiest life!