Headaches: How Chiropractors Can Help - Falcon Health
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  • Writer's pictureBen Harris

Headaches: How Chiropractors Can Help

Updated: Dec 7, 2022

In this article, we will be discussing the causes of headaches and how a chiropractor for headaches can help you!


If you are experiencing regular, severe headaches, it is worth considering chiropractic care. At Falcon Health, our experts are experienced in dealing with patients with headaches and can find the root of the pain and help you fight it. So, if you're searching for a chiropractor for headaches, then look no further!


Man holds his head in pain
How to Help with Headaches

What is a Headache?

Headaches can be caused by many different things, such as stress, allergies, or tension in the neck and shoulders. They can range from mild to severe and can interfere with your daily activities.


There are many different types of headaches, including tension headaches, sinus headaches, and migraines. Tension headaches are the most common type and are caused by stress or tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in the sinuses, and are accompanied by a fever, facial pain, and congestion. Migraines are a type of headache that is often preceded by flashing lights or auras and is accompanied by intense throbbing pain on one side of the head.


In cases involving the neck and shoulders (cervicogenic headaches), pain killers or water may not be enough. A chiropractor can help relieve the tension and stress in these areas and can also give you exercises to do at home to help prevent future headaches.


Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches

Chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to treat headaches. A chiropractor for headaches will use manual adjustments to help relieve tension in the neck and upper back, which can help reduce or eliminate headaches. Additionally, a chiropractor for headaches can provide you with advice on how to manage your headaches at home.


Studies have also shown that a chiropractor for headaches can help to decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches or migraines.


Manual Therapy

There are many different types of manual therapy, including massage, mobilisation, and manipulation. Each is used to increase the range of motion, improve joint movement, and relieve pain. Manual therapy is an effective chiropractic treatment for headaches because it can help to restore proper alignment and movement in the neck and spine. This, in turn, can help to relieve pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the head and neck, reducing or eliminating headaches.


Manual therapy as a chiropractic treatment for headaches is also effective because it helps to improve blood circulation. Many people who suffer from chronic headaches have poor blood circulation in the head and neck. Chiropractic treatment can help to improve blood flow, which can help to reduce or eliminate headaches, this helps to increase the oxygen flow to your neck muscles, relaxing them and relieving pain. Additionally, chiropractic care can help to strengthen the muscles around the head and neck. This is effective as it reduces the strain placed on these muscles, relieving the pain experienced from a headache.


Soft-Tissue Therapy

As part of chiropractic treatment for headaches, soft-tissue therapy can be an effective method. Soft-tissue therapy is a chiropractic treatment that uses massage, stretching and other manual therapies to help improve the function of muscles, ligaments and tendons. This type of therapy can help to relieve tension headaches and neck pain.


This process is effective at relieving pain because it helps to improve blood flow and healing. It can also help to break up scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed as a result of an injury. This reduces the strain on the muscles around the neck and shoulders, reducing the pain experienced in headaches.


Acupuncture

Acupuncture can effectively help to combat headaches. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into strategic points on the body. It is said to help unblock energy pathways and restore balance in the body. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for headaches, especially tension headaches. Acupuncture helps by releasing endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. Furthermore, by stimulating muscles in order to relax them, the strain on the neck and head is reduced.


Lifestyle Changes

As part of treatment, a chiropractor will advise you on ways to alter your lifestyle to reduce the strain placed on the neck.

  • Regular Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have pain-relieving properties. It can also help improve your overall physical health, which may indirectly help reduce headaches.

  • Healthy Food: Eating a balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and fight off infection or illness. Poor nutrition is a common cause of headaches.

  • Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids each day, especially water. Dehydration is another common headache trigger.

  • Posture: This is particularly important when working at a desk for long periods of time. A good posture reduces the strain that neck and shoulder muscles experience.

  • Sleep: Ensuring that you get enough sleep is key! It gives your body a chance to relax and recover from the day prior.

  • Lifestyle changes can be a great way to combat headaches. Little changes to your life can make a huge impact on pain as neck and shoulder muscles are not overstretched and are supported by the rest of the body.


Exercises

As part of treatment, a chiropractor for headaches will prescribe exercises to complete. These are designed to strengthen the muscles in your head, shoulders and neck to reduce the strain placed on them.


Exercises are vital in combating headaches because they help to improve the blood supply and nerve function to these areas. This, in turn, helps to reduce the likelihood of pain occurring.


Education

One key aspect of the treatment a chiropractor for headaches will provide is educating patients. By educating patients, a chiropractor for headaches can be more certain that treatment will be effective at combating pain. As you become more in tune with your body, the more adept you become at identifying triggers of pain and know how to avoid it. This prevents headaches from occurring as you know the steps to take before pain occurs or becomes too severe.


Why Falcon Health?

At Falcon Health, we are dedicated to combating headaches and getting you back to full health. We adopt a holistic approach to pain and search to identify the causes of pain, rather than simply fight the symptoms. This allows us to combat the deep-rooted issues and ensure that pain is relieved and prevented.


Our expert team are highly experienced in dealing with headaches and can provide a comprehensive and effective assessment, treatment and advice as part of chiropractic treatment for headaches.


If you would like to schedule a consultation, be sure to explore our website or contact us today!


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