Everyone gets the occasional headache, but some headaches get so bad they won't go away. While drugs treat the symptoms, they often ignore the underlying cause of the problem.
Many of these severe headaches can be slow to respond to chemical treatment, which, when made strong enough to address the headache, can have negative and potentially lasting consequences on the rest of the body when used over time. This is why many people with chronic head pain look to the more natural (and often more effective) alternative solution of chiropractic.
Different Kinds of Headaches
In order to better treat any problem it is first important to understand what causes it. There are many different kinds of headaches, some which can be treated by chiropractic better than others. Headaches are most commonly caused by
-changes in constriction of the vascular system
-muscle tension
-congested sinuses
These headaches can radiate pain all over the head and feel centered in many different locations, but it is most important to know that chiropractic is a great solution to those headaches centered around muscle tension and changes in vascular flow. Sinus headaches may be treated as well but the cause is likely to be more complicated.
The three kinds of headaches most often founding chiropractic offices are:
-migraine headaches
-tension headaches
-cervicogenic headaches
The last kind of headache mentioned can sound a bit scary, but cervicogenic means a headache that is being caused by the bones, muscles, or nerves of neck.
Tension Headaches
When we become stressed, frightened, or angry, the body will respond with increased muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or head. This reaction, often called a fight or flight response, is how we respond to stress. If stress becomes very constant in our lives, that muscle tension can become just another habit.
This can lead to imbalances in the way we hold our body, which in turn lead to more muscle tension and pain. Chiropractic treatment can often relax these muscles and realign the skeletal structure underneath to end the vicious cycle of pain. Those seeking treatment for tension headaches may often see drastic improvement in just a few sessions as nerves are less irritated and muscles become more relaxed.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are caused by changes in vascular flow, which can be brought about b a variety of factors such as changes in the weather, hormonal changes, stress, even different smells or foods -- just to name a few. These headaches do not always start as pain, but may begin with nausea or visual auras. The headache can be strong or weak, but most migraine sufferers experience very painful headaches.
Recent research has indicated that chiropractic treatment can reduce the number of migraines a person experiences. By adjusting the neck and spine with chiropractic treatment, you may be able to improve vascular flow and reduce the nerve irritation in the spine.
Treatment
Chiropractic treatment centers around the idea of manipulating the spinal column and neck to improve posture and blood flow. To treat a headache, the chiropractor will likely perform an adjustment with his or her hands, but may also use trigger point therapy, massage and other supporting types of treatments to create a holistic approach to the problem. The chiropractor will also likely recommend some stretching exercises and basic changes in posture to help keep things balanced in between visits.
Author Resource:
Philip Vincent is a health educator. Need a Chicago Chiropractor ? Consider a visit to this Chicago Chiropractor .
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