Chiropractic Doctors Can Treat Headaches

Studies show that nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches. These can be frequent, occasional, dull and throbbing, or may even be accompanied by nausea and pain. Usually, it seems like the only thing to do is take a pain pill and hope it goes away. These headaches are possibly the symptom of an underlying problem that chiropractic doctors may be able to treat. A chiropractic doctor uses the treatment which is known as spinal manipulation or spinal adjustment which can treat headaches which form at the base of the neck as well as tension headaches. A report by Duke University in 2001 showed that spinal adjustments were proven to prevent the reoccurrence of headaches with few to no side-effects and longer periods of relief than common, over the counter pain killers as well as prescribed medications.

Headaches are caused by what are known as triggers. These triggers can be certain foods, allergies, noises, stress, light, insomnia, exercise, blood sugar, and so forth. It is estimated that about five per cent of all headaches are symptoms of underlying physical problems. The other 95 per cent of headaches are considered to be primary headaches which are normal, healthy responses to the previously mentioned triggers. Chiropractic doctors claim that the majority of these primary headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck. Americans work more often in sedentary jobs nowadays which can lead to muscle tension in the neck, back, and scalp which can lead to headaches. A chiropractic doctor can treat these headaches by alleviating the stress in the spinal column which leads to them.

Chiropractic doctors have some recommendations for those who work long hours sitting in a fixed position such as at a computer, sewing machine, typing, or reading. First, try to take a break about every 30 minutes to an hour. Stretch a bit, taking your neck and back through a full range of motion. Light exercise is also great for alleviating the stress and muscle tension that can lead to headaches. Try to avoid heavy exercise as it can often lead to headaches which you’re trying to avoid. Seeing your chiropractic doctor regularly can help to reduce headaches as well.

The spinal adjustments that chiropractic doctors utilize can do wonders for your headaches as well, as they improve the function of your spine and relieve you of stress. Your chiropractic doctor can also provide you with nutritional advice, advice on posture, and exercises which you can perform which will help relieve joint pain.