A very common and overlooked cause of chronic headaches is dysfunction of spinal bones in the neck and upper back. These dysfunctions can be taken care of without use of medications.
A person is likely to experience headaches 96% of their lifetime. In fact, Headaches are so common, some people think that getting a headache is just a normal part of life. Research even suggests that about 16% of the populations are experiencing headaches right now. Taking in diclofenac, paracetamol and other medications may cover up the symptoms and not solve the underlying structural cause.
Drugs can cover up symptoms.
Chronic headaches are a sign that something is wrong. Stress, toxic fumes, certain foods, preservatives and alcohol to name a few, are common culprits in developing headaches. Most medical advice resort to medications to alleviate headaches. However, taking these medications in fact, contribute to some of the common types of headaches.They also have the tendency of masking the real source of the headache until its too late to act.
How can chiropractic care manage headaches?
Most headaches experienced are as a result of spinal mechanical dysfunctions at the base of the head and neck region. Many people sit at their desk or in their favorite chair for long periods leading to tension in the neck and shoulder area. Over time, this tension translates to muscles on the skull causing headaches. Likewise , when bones of the spine move out of their normal position or motion, this misalignment affects muscles attached to these bones. This overstretches or irritates sensitive spinal nerves and blood vessels producing throbbing headaches. Chiropractic care is effective in taking care of headaches by correcting the effects of these irritations and mechanical dysfunctions.
Notable causes of these mechanical dysfunctions include
- Cervical spondylosis
- Loss of normal cervical spine curve
- Muscular hypertonicity
- Sprain strain injuries
What to expect at the chiropractic clinic
Initially, when one goes for a chiropractic consultation at a certified place such as Oak Wellness Hub, the doctor of chiropractic (also a medical doctor) will take the history and conduct a thorough examination. X-Rays or MRI or any other investigation will be requested if the doctor needs more information to make a diagnosis. If the examination and investigation reveal reduced neck movement, loss of spinal curves or mechanical restrictions due to some of the conditions listed above, then a chiropractic adjustment would be considered. A chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction , applied to a spinal joint that is fixated, “locked up” or not moving properly.
Basically, Chiropractic adjustments help return bones to their normal motion or position, relieving pain and improving the body’s physical function. Furthermore, specific chiropractic adjustments help correct spinal joint dysfunction created by various chemical, emotional and physical stresses in our lives.
Afterwards, the doctor will explain what to expect. He or she will draw a unique care program to address the specific underlying spinal problem. Ask your chiropractic doctor for more information about a care program that includes specific spinal adjustments, exercises recommendations, nutritional advice or other conservative methods based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.
After the first adjustment, many patients report headache relief. While some are instantaneous, others find relief after their sixth visit. When spinal problems have existed undetected for years, the correction of their condition takes longer. Every patient responds differently. Millions of people however, continue to benefit from the drug- free approach by consulting a chiropractic doctor.
“Specific chiropractic adjustments help correct mechanical restrictions in the cervical spine that may be related to headache symptoms”.
Choosing the chiropractic lifestyle for headaches.
All the joints in your body are part of the musculo-skeletal system. This includes the joint where the base of the head (occiput) meets the cervical spine. Doctors of chiropractic are experts in the care of such joints and as such, are the best professionals to help when suffering from headaches. Additionally, the doctor of chiropractic will offer advice such as sleeping postures and other ways to prevent recurrence of these chronic headaches.
In conclusion, Chiropractic care may be the best choice in dealing with your persistent headaches without resorting to chronic intake of medications. And is a healthier natural option to regaining a full functional body and an optimal sense of wellness.
Further information…
To know more about how chiropractic care can help with your headaches, please contact Oak Wellness Hub for professional care today.