CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
Millions of people suffer from migraines and headaches, and many medications used to treat them have terrible side effects. In addition to pain, other symptoms include muscle tension, musculoskeletal problems, neck stiffness and pain, and decreased jaw function.
Chiropractic care is frequently used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment to help relieve tension headaches, tension, and cervicogenic headaches. It is also used in conjunction with other tactics (for example, exercise, physical therapy, diet, lifestyle changes, and so on) to help limit triggers. Individuals seeking to reduce or avoid opioids may find chiropractic care a low-risk alternative treatment plan.
The headache types commonly treated with chiropractic care—cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and tension headaches—respond differently to chiropractic care.
- FOR CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES
Cervicogenic headaches typically start with one-sided pain that moves from the back of the head to the front, often accompanied by same-side shoulder or arm pain. Cervicogenic headaches are believed to be caused by an underlying neck problem and may be triggered by an injury.
Cervicogenic headaches, among the rarest types, frequently do not improve with medication. This is the only type of headache for which spinal manipulation is advised.
Among the chiropractic treatment options for cervicogenic headaches are:
Spinal manipulation is a procedure in which a healthcare provider who has received spinal manipulation training applies a controlled force to a specific joint of your spine using their hands or a device.
When the force is applied, you may hear a popping sound.
The cervical spine is the focus of spinal manipulation when treating cervicogenic headaches (the upper part of the spine in the neck).
Joint mobilization: A therapy in which your joints are moved passively to improve movement or reduce pain. When used to treat headaches, this treatment focuses on the cervical spine.
Deep neck flexion exercises: These exercises require you to actively move your muscles and joints while under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- FOR MIGRAINES
Chiropractic treatment is not among the most effective or widely recommended migraine treatment options, but some chiropractic therapies may be effective.
Options for migraine chiropractic therapy include:
Neuromuscular massage: also known as trigger point therapy, focuses on trigger points in the back, neck, shoulder, and head to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and even relieve stress. This may alleviate symptoms by relieving nerve pressure that sends pain signals to the brain.
Multidisciplinary care intervention: This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing migraine pain, frequency, duration, and disability by combining physical therapy exercises, relaxation techniques, stress management, and dietary counseling.
- FOR TENSION HEADACHES
Tension headaches occur frequently. They can be caused by muscle tension from prolonged neck, shoulders, or head tension, and they usually improve with over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or Tylenol.
Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, is not effective in treating this type of headache. On the other hand, chronic tension headaches may benefit from a more multidisciplinary approach that includes soft tissue therapy (e.g., trigger point therapy, stretching) and stress management.
Other types of chiropractic therapy that could be beneficial include:
Low-load craniocervical mobilization: This is done with a gentler force than spinal manipulation. This force is applied to the neck joints to treat headaches, allowing for rhythmic movement of the cervical segments. Stretching is usually included as part of this intervention.
Chiropractic Therapy in Omaha, NE
Contact Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Omaha, NE, today to speak with a licensed doctor of chiropractic about finding a local chiropractor and learning more about how chiropractic care can help those suffering from migraines and headaches.
