Headache Relief - Advice from a Chiropractor

Headache Relief

Many times when we have a headache, we reach for painkillers to make it stop. And it works. Sometimes. But the problem is, painkillers aren’t really treating the headache, they’re only masking the symptoms. Without correcting the underlying cause of the headache, you can be sure your head will be aching again before you know it.

Fortunately, chiropractic procedures can help headache sufferers identify and fix the root cause of their pounding head. In fact, headache treatment is one of the top reasons people seek out chiropractic help.

Common Headache Triggers

You may not realize it, but the source of your headache could very well be in your neck. Along with injuries and poor posture, back and neck tension are common headache triggers. In our information-based society where we are constantly sitting at a computer or leaning in to use a tablet, smartphone or other handheld device, we put great strain on our back and neck. Over time, the strain on the soft tissues of our body causes uneven tension on our spinal column, resulting in overly taxed muscles and ligaments, compressed vertebrae, and pinched nerves. All of these problems can make themselves known through headaches.

Typical Treatments Used For Headache Relief

A chiropractor treats headaches by releasing the built-up tension in the back and neck that is causing the pain. There are many ways to do this. At Botha Chiropractic we use any combination of the following to help our patients who suffer from headaches:

• Adjustments. Manual adjustments are what you think of when you think of chiropractic care. By physically manipulating the spine, we can improve spinal alignment, which reduces the strain and tension on your back and neck that is causing your head to ache. 

• Traction. Traction is another way to help the spine decompress, and take that pressure off your back and neck. A compacted spine can cause pain whether you’re sitting or standing, tense or not. Traction helps counteract that compression in a direct manner. 

• Exercise. You may be surprised when your chiropractor prescribes at-home exercises to help your head. Although targeted at other parts of your body (back, neck, shoulders, core, etc.), these exercises help to strengthen your body, making it easier for the body to function properly, and avoiding the build-up of tension that can cause spinal misalignment or headaches. 

• Massage. Massage is often used in conjunction with chiropractic. Sometimes muscles have been stretched so tightly, they cannot be manipulated effectively until they’ve been loosened up. Massage helps us do that. In addition, sometimes muscle tension alone can cause headaches, without spinal misalignment. In cases like this, a good massage may be all you need to get relief. 

Two of the biggest benefits to chiropractic care as treatment for headaches are that it is long-lasting and all-natural. Chiropractors don’t rely on drugs to mask your pain, instead focusing on proper body mechanics. Once your body is properly aligned, the effects are extremely long-lasting, and you can kiss your headaches goodbye.

by: Dr. Aaron Casselman, DC | Follow Me on Facebook

Pinnacle Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab Center

4185 Wildcat Reserve Pkwy #200

Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

(303) 683-5060