Chiropractic care is often overlooked as a way to cope with headaches, either because of ignorance about the profession, or because it’s just easier to reach for the analgesics.
However, whether it’s addressing spinal issues or offering lifestyle advice, chiropractors can indeed help with headaches. They can particularly help with those stemming from the neck (known as cervicogenic headaches).
In this post, I explain how chiropractic care can provide help with headaches, and its benefits.
Headaches, particularly tension headaches, are very common. From occasional aches to persistent throbs, they affect millions worldwide and can significantly impact the quality of life when they strike.
Indeed, headaches (and back pain) cost economies and businesses millions in lost productivity annually!
For most of us, headache relief typically comes in the shape of over-the-counter medications. Convenient and readily available, these products work fast and usually achieve the desired result – blessed pain relief. However, this only addresses the symptoms, and temporarily at that.
Now you might ask, “How can someone who works on spines help with headaches?”
Valid question and it has a point – chiropractors can’t address every headache, such as those caused by dehydration or lack of sleep.
However, we can offer significant relief for headaches linked to spinal and nervous system issues, as I explain in more detail below. We can also offer lifestyle recommendations to help address those other types of headaches too!
Chiropractors are trained to realign your spine, especially in the neck area, where misalignments can trigger headaches.
By gently correcting these issues, we aim to alleviate the tension and pressure on your nerves and muscles, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Muscle tension is a silent culprit behind tension headaches and we have many techniques that can help. From targeted massage therapy to trigger point therapy and strategic stretching exercises…
These are all very useful techniques for helping ease tension in the neck and surrounding areas. As those tense muscles loosen, it helps alleviate strain on your spine. This then assists with headache symptoms.
Now let’s talk about posture! Poor posture can exacerbate cervicogenic headaches.
Through posture assessments and tailored ergonomic recommendations, we aim to address underlying issues and promote spinal health, thus reducing the likelihood of recurring headaches.
Beyond hands-on treatments, we can empower you with knowledge and practical tips to manage headaches.
From discussing workplace ergonomics to advising on stress management techniques, hydration, and nutrition, we strive to provide holistic support. By making informed lifestyle adjustments, you can take proactive steps towards long-term headache relief and overall wellbeing.
In addition to simply helping address the underlying contributors to several types of common headaches, chiropractic care offers a range of holistic benefits.
If you’re tired of popping pills for constant nagging headaches, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free alternative for managing them.
Instead of masking symptoms with medications, we want to get to the root of the issue naturally. Our gentle, non-invasive methods target the underlying causes of headaches, paving the way for lasting relief without the need for drugs.
Healthcare should never be a one-size-fits-all approach.
Chiropractors offer personalised care tailored to your unique needs and health goals. From your medical history to lifestyle factors and specific headache symptoms, we take it all into account. Then, with a custom treatment plan in hand, we work towards optimal results.
Chiropractic is interested in your overall wellbeing. Rather than simply focusing on your headache, we address all the potential contributors – spinal health, lifestyle factors, and ergonomics. In this way, chiropractic care can support holistic wellbeing beyond just alleviating headaches.
I just want to touch briefly on a point raised at the start of this post – OTC medications. Whilst they work well for the occasional headache, persistent ongoing headaches should be assessed by a healthcare professional to identify the underlying causes.
Further to this – relying on OTC painkillers long term to deal with ongoing headache symptoms creates its own set of health problems. Think of upset stomach, nausea, and even gastric ulcers if you’re not careful. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
OTC painkillers belong to two classes of medications: Acetaminophen and NSAIDs. NSAIDs can come with side effects like potential kidney and liver damage. Acetaminophen, when taken in excessive amounts or over a prolonged period, can cause serious liver damage and even death.
Additionally, both NSAIDs and acetaminophen have been associated with an increased risk of medication overuse – or analgesic rebound – headaches. That’s right – the overuse of some painkillers to treat some types of headaches can in fact create its own special type of headache!
So, before you reach for that familiar pill bottle, weigh the risks and benefits and consider alternative approaches like chiropractic care for managing headaches.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic and drug-free approach to managing headaches by addressing underlying spinal issues, promoting proper posture, and providing personalised lifestyle recommendations.
By prioritising long-term wellness and addressing the root causes of headaches, chiropractors aim to provide lasting relief and improve overall quality of life.
So, if you’re tired of relying on quick fixes and seeking a more sustainable solution, consider exploring the benefits of chiropractic care for headache management.
Ewell Chiropractic
9A Cheam Road, Ewell, Epsom KT17 1SP
Our practice is next to the central car park in the Ewell village if you travel by car. And just a 10-minute wander from both train stations in Ewell.
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