How Chiropractic Heals Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines are common yet debilitating conditions affecting millions worldwide. While many turn to medication for relief, chiropractic care has emerged as a viable, non-pharmaceutical option. Research continues to show the incredible benefits chiropractic care has for headaches and migraines. While medications temporarily mask the symptoms, adjustments tackle the root cause of the issue.
Understanding Headaches and Migraines
Before delving into chiropractic care, it's crucial to understand the different types of headaches and migraines:
Tension Headaches: These are the most common type, characterized by a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck.
Migraines: These are more severe than tension headaches, often accompanied by throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Cluster Headaches: These are extremely painful headaches that occur in clusters, often around one eye, and can last weeks or months.
Regardless of the type of headaches you experience, they can be debilitating and remove you from being present in your life. That alone is enough to make them a serious issue that needs to be resolved.
Why does chiropractic care help?
Contrary to what most people assume, chiropractic care focuses on your nervous system. Particularly your nerves and how the communication is between your brain and it’s information pathways. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative techniques to ensure movement of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, which can help the body heal itself without surgery or medication. Bringing movement to the affected areas causes your brain to send and receive information from that area in a faster and more thorough way. Leading to the proper communication needed to heal that area.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Headaches and Migraines
Spinal Manipulation and Adjustments
One of the primary techniques used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment. This involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine to improve spinal function and alleviate stress on the nervous system.
Research Findings: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective option for tension headaches and migraines. The study concluded that those who received chiropractic care experienced significant reductions in the frequency and intensity of their headaches compared to those who did not receive such care.
Alleviating Muscle Tension and Improving Posture
Poor posture, particularly in those who spend long hours at a desk or on a computer, can contribute to muscle tension and stress on the neck and upper back, leading to headaches.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Andrew Bang, a chiropractor at the Cleveland Clinic, states that "many headaches are caused by muscle tension and joint irritation, which can be alleviated through chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercises to improve posture" .
Reducing Nerve Irritation
Stress in the spine can cause irritation to the nerves that travel through the spine to the brain, contributing to headache pain.
Clinical Evidence: According to a review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, chiropractic care can reduce nerve irritation by restoring communication, which decreases the occurrence of headaches and migraines .
Holistic Approach: A study in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice highlighted the holistic approach of chiropractic care, noting that combining spinal adjustments and stress management techniques can lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic headaches .
Patient Success Stories
Many patients have reported significant improvements in their headache and migraine symptoms following chiropractic care. For instance, a case study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine documented a patient with chronic migraines experiencing a substantial reduction in headache frequency and severity after undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments. You will find dozens of patients in each of our offices that can speak to their own relief as well.
Chiropractic care offers a promising alternative for those seeking relief from headaches and migraines without relying on medication. By addressing the root causes of headaches, such as nerve interferenece and muscle tension, chiropractors can help reduce the frequency and severity of these debilitating conditions. If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, we would love to see you in one of our 14 offices to explore how this form of care can benefit you!
References
Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., et al. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274-289.
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Chiropractic: Easing headaches through spinal adjustments. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic.
McCrory, D. C., & Penzien, D. B. (2001). Evidence-based guidelines for migraine headache: Behavioral and physical treatments. Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(3), 2983-2989.
Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., et al. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17(2), 79-86.
Ammendolia, C., Côté, P., & Cassidy, J. D. (2005). Chiropractors and patients with migraine headaches: A descriptive study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 4(4), 158-165.