What Causes Headaches?

Headaches have become a social and economic burden across the world.

Scientists have identified over 300 causes for headaches. Various pain-sensitive structures and tissues including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, arteries, periosteal bone covering, and the upper cervical and facial nerves produce headaches when irritated or injured. Fortunately, only a handful of causes are responsible for the majority of headaches.

The most common of these headaches include:

Cervicogenic- problems within the neck

Muscle-tension- neck and upper back muscular spasms

Post-traumatic- following head/neck trauma, i.e. whiplash

Drug-induced- from analgesic overuse

Migraines

Cluster

Most recurrent headaches fall into three categories:

A migraine: Severe, one-sided throbbing, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sounds

Cervicogenic: Headaches caused by a disorder of the cervical spine, and often accompanied by neck pain

Tension: This is a common headache experienced by many people — that dull, achy pain usually on both sides of the head

Those who experience a headache know how debilitating they can be. It is easy to lose concentration and also, motivation. Your day seems to be cut short because productivity can decrease significantly. Not to mention the pain. So, read on to find out how chiropractic treatment can help a headaches.

How Does Chiropractic Treatment Help A Headache?

Up to 25% of patients consult a chiropractor because they have a headache and for good reason. Chiropractic treatment of the neck, combined with adjustments to the spine, significantly relieve tension and headaches.

Spinal adjustments are also recommended for cervicogenic headaches. Studies show that chiropractic treatment provides extended pain relief and reduces the frequency and duration of this type of headache. After a spinal adjustment is completed, you may experience quick relief or your headache may gradually disappear. Either way, it’s important to follow up to evaluate your response to the treatment.

During your examination, the chiropractors may find knotted muscles in your neck or upper back. These areas of tense muscles, called trigger points, are a source of pain and stiffness, but they also often cause headaches. The chiropractor may relax the knot using manual therapy, such as applying pressure.

Bad posture puts stress and tension on the spine, which in turn can cause headaches, you will have your posture evaluated so we can help correct any problems. They may also teach specific exercises and relaxation techniques that can help prevent or ease headaches.

Doctors of chiropractic successfully help thousands of individuals every day obtain effective, long-term relief from their headaches. This is because most headaches have a spinal, muscular, or habitual component which the chiropractor has been trained to identify and treat.