Chiropractic Solutions for Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common medical ailments, with nine out of ten Americans experiencing the pain regularly. From slightly annoying to completely debilitating, there are many remedies for headaches that range from pain relievers to doctor intervention. Chiropractic care is one of those ways, providing a safe and natural method to relieve the pain and symptoms of frequent headaches. Spinal manipulation, a popular form of adjustments performed by chiropractors, has been linked to headache relief. Dr. Justin Lewis of Get Adjusted Chiropractic elaborates on the most common types of headaches and how chiropractic care could be your solution towards a pain-free life.
Tension Headaches
There could be any multitude of reasons for experiencing a one-off headache here and there or even chronic migraine pain. If you’re feeling particularly stressed or restless, your headache would most likely be classified as a tension headache. A tension headache often presents itself as tightness or dull aching. While this is usually felt in the back of the head, the pain can wrap around the sides of the skull towards your forward. Most individuals who suffer from tension headaches regularly say they feel the onset of pain midday, as it builds gradually.
These are some of the most common headaches, with up to 80% of adults experiencing this type of pain at some point in their life. Tension headaches can be categorized into two types: episodic or chronic tension headaches. Episodic tension headaches occur and disappear with 15 days minimum between occurrences, whereas chronic tension headaches occur, dissipate, and return within 15 days. “Not all headaches are the same and they are all treated very differently,” explains Dr. Justin Lewis. “Chiropractic adjustments are really great for relieving tension, but different manipulations and modalities are essential after diagnosing a specific type of headache.” Migraines
Migraine headaches are some of the most painful types of headaches you can experience. This pain is usually disabling, leaving many unable to continue about their day. These can last from a few minutes to several days. Symptoms of migraines are often more extreme than other types of headaches. Migraines are commonly associated with intense, throbbing pain, nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to stimuli such as lights. The word “migraine” itself relates to a category of headaches this is typically localized on one side of the head. Chronic migraines are incredibly common and are, unfortunately, a genetic disease.
“When going to a provider for treatment, it is essential that you describe all of your symptoms to the chiropractor or other doctor,” states Dr. Justin Lewis. “Even the smallest detail can completely change a diagnosis and affect your treatment plan. The more information you can give, the better chance we have at fixing your issue.” There are several classifications of migraine headaches, however, the most popular type is classic migraines or “migraines with aura.” A classic migraine begins with localized pain and some sort of warning symptom. This warning symptom can be loss of vision, the onset of nausea, or tingling, numb limbs.
Cluster Headaches
The name may make it seem like cluster headaches are a series of painful headaches over a day or two. In reality, cluster headaches are comparatively short headaches that typically last between 20 minutes and two hours. Like a migraine, the pain tends to be localized to one side of the head. More noticeable symptoms of a cluster headache are associated with the side of the head where the pain is felt. This half of the face may experience tearing, an enlarged pupil, a drooping eyelid, or a stuffed nostril. The “cluster” aspect relates to the frequency in which the headaches occur over a period of time. These headaches tend to happen several times a day throughout the course of several days, weeks, or even months. “Cluster headaches, although intense in symptoms, can be relieved with chiropractic treatment,” says Dr. Justin Lewis. “Neck traction paired with cervical spine adjustments reduce tension and minimize symptoms. Treatment plans that incorporate a full body approach often lead to the most success!”
Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Experiencing frequent headaches can derail your motivation, plans, or workday. Chiropractic care, like the services provided at Get Adjusted Chiropractic, can be a simple solution to your most painful problems. These types of headaches are described as “primary pain” — this means that the pain in your head is the root of the discomfort and not a symptom of another health issue. These types of headaches are greatly affected and diminished by chiropractic care.When seeing a chiropractor for headache-related pain, Dr. Justin Lewis explains that your chiropractor will most likely rely on spinal manipulation or spinal adjustments. This improves spinal function and reduces any stress placed on the nervous system, which is directly linked to headaches.
“Headaches are one of the most common complaints that patients come in with,” Dr. Justin Lewis elaborates. “In our office, patients fill out extensive paperwork listing all aspects of the medica, physical, and mental health history so we can thoroughly start to gather a differential diagnosis. I will then do an extensive exam to try to assess the proper diagnosis to assign the proper headache protocol. Common treatments for headaches tend to include spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, manual stretching, electrical muscle stimulation and mechanical traction. No two patients are alike, so treatment protocols are carefully tailored to each patient.”
Dr. Justin Lewis would also typically gather information on your usual posture and workspace set-up, to see if there are any areas for improvement. Many variables, like exercise, physical activity, or even relaxation techniques, can impact the health of your nervous system and lead to any type of headache. “Poor posture is a leading problem for headaches,” explains Dr. Justin Lewis. “Chronic forward head posture tends to put a lot of strain on the neck and body. Sometimes making simple changes to normal habits can help relieve and prevent symptoms.”
Prevent long term pain with Get Adjusted Chiropractic! Book an appointment online today or call our office at 845-809-8300 to schedule a visit with Dr. Justin Lewis.
