Columnists

Headaches… Can They Be Treated Without Medication?

will-christensen-picIssue 27.09

If you have a headache, you’re not alone.  Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches.  Some are occasional and some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.  Medical research has shown that 70% of all headaches are related to the joints and muscles in your neck.  These problems can arise from direct injury to the head and neck or, more commonly, just the overuse of the muscles and joints from everyday postures (e.g. sitting all day at a desk). 

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache?  Do you grit your teeth and carry on?  Lie down?  Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away?  There are better alternatives.

Research has shown chiropractic to be very successful in the treatment of most headache types, including: cervicogenic, tension, migraine, sinus, TMD (jaw), trauma (e.g whiplash) and chronic headaches.  This research has shown chiropractic treatment to be just as effective as standard headache medication with results that last longer.  Treatment by your Doctor of Chiropractic usually consists of a combination of spinal manipulation, specific massage for the neck muscles, exercises, advice on posture, and dietary recommendations.  This treatment will help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing, or reading, take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to one hour.  Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches.  Avoid teeth clenching; the upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing.  Clenching results in stress in your jaw joints which can cause a form of tension headaches.  Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

Fortunately, only about 5% of all headaches are caused by a serious medical condition.  Your Doctor of Chiropractic is trained to recognize signs of serious medical conditions and to make referrals when necessary.

Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physiotherapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. A large portion of their base includes satisfied Medicare patients. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit www.StGeorgePainRelief.com for more info.

Comments are closed.