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What
Causes Headaches?
Headaches
often begin in your spine. Poor posture or injury can force your spinal
vertebrae out of alignment, pressuring nerves and blood vessels. When
nerves send painful signals to surrounding neck muscles, those muscles
tighten up and a headache may begin. Other headache triggers include
stress, caffeine, smoking, allergies, alcohol, some diseases, and nutritional
deficiencies.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Me? Your chiropractor looks at your
overall health-focusing not only on your spine, but also on your lifestyle.
This integrated approach helps determine the best treatment for your
headaches.
History
To help identify the cause of your problem, you and your chiropractor
will discuss your symptoms, your family health history, and your lifestyle,
such as diet and physical activities.
Physical
Exam
Physical, orthopedic, and neurological tests can help reveal the condition
of your spine. Static and motion palpation tests check for factors related
to headaches, such as stiffness, pain, swelling, and restricted range
of motion.
X-rays
As "blueprints" of your neck and back, x-rays can pinpoint
misaligned bones or reveal other problems such as fractures or arthritis.
Additional tests will be done, if necessary.
Diagnosis
Based on the examination and findings, your chiropractor may recommend
an individualized treatment program for your neck or spine to help reduce
the frequency and intensity of your headaches. If needed, your chiropractor
will also consult with other medical specialists about your condition.
How
Does a Chiropractor Treat Headaches?
Your doctor of chiropractic is uniquely qualified to restore the
health of your spine, which may relieve the pressure that is causing
your headaches.
Spinal
Adjustments
After locating the misaligned vertebrae in your neck or spine, your
chiropractor manually applies gentle pressure and repositions the vertebrae.
These adjustments can help ease your headaches by restoring alignment,
improving mobility, and relieving pain and stiffness.
Related
Treatment
Your chiropractor may recommend other types of treatment to relieve
headaches by decreasing muscle tension and swelling, or increasing your
circulation. These treatments may include moist heat, ice packs, trigger
point therapy, or traction. Your chiropractor can discuss these with
you.
What
Can I Do To Prevent Headaches?
Smart Support
Whether sitting, standing, or lying down, keep your spine aligned.
Talk with your chiropractor about simple exercises you can do to strengthen
your neck. You may also be able to prevent some headaches by avoiding
caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes. Control your stress by making time
to relax each day.
Spinal
Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal
exams. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to help prevent spinal
problems that could cause headaches. Your doctor of chiropractic can
help you and your family maintain healthier lives with less headache
pain.
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