Chiropractic Care for Managing Chronic Headaches: What You Need to Know

People suffering from chronic headaches often find the relief they need from chiropractic care. The treatment is especially popular with those who want to avoid the side effects of prolonged medication use. With the treatment, they will only need spinal manipulation, massage, and exercises.

 

Treating Cervicogenic Headaches 
 

Cervicogenic headaches usually begin at the back of the head, on one side, before moving to the front. The headaches often occur along with arm or shoulder pain on the same side. Most health practitioners believe they are due to an underlying neck issue or injury.
 

Usually the least common, these headaches rarely improve with medication. Chiropractic care often helps treat this type of headache. It applies spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, and neck exercises to help. 

 

Treating Tension Headaches 
 

Tension headaches are common. They often result from muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. 
 

OTC medications help relieve these headaches. Chiropractic care can help relieve chronic tension headaches. Effective techniques include soft tissue therapy and stress management.
 

Professionals here also use low-load craniocervical mobilization to treat headaches. The technique is gentle when you compare it to spinal manipulation. The application of force on the neck joints creates rhythmic cervical segment movement.

 

Treatment for Migraines 

Patients who suffer from migraines also experience nausea and dizziness. Often, doctors prescribe medications and pain injections to treat these conditions. Sometimes, it can be hard to differentiate between migraines and cervicogenic headaches. A doctor can determine the underlying cause to create the best treatment plan. 
 

A professional here can treat migraines using neuromuscular massage. They can also guide their patients through relaxation techniques and physical therapy exercises. When the patient does this regularly, migraines reduce in duration, frequency, and severity. 

 

When to Seek Chiropractic Care
 

In most cases, chronic headaches have no cure. The use of medications can lead to long-term side effects. As a result, many individuals turn to alternative therapies. Chiropractic care for chronic headaches is usually the most effective.
 

This applies to symptoms such as neck stiffness and pain. Therapy can include spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy. The doctor also offers advice on exercises, good posture, and nutrition.

 

Benefits
 

If you suffer from chronic headaches, visiting these special doctors can be beneficial. Some benefits include the following:
 

• Treatment of underlying causes instead of treating the symptoms

• No side effects

• Effective treatment, just like using preventive medications

• Enhancement of full body function

Spinal adjustments reduce stress and enhance spinal function. A doctor will devise a treatment plan for your condition. Soft tissue therapies target the muscles and joints responsible for the pain. They include massage and trigger point therapy.

The goal of treating chronic headaches is to relieve pain. It also improves neuromuscular health. It is effective when combined with lifestyle management tips. The doctor can offer recommendations that can help prevent chronic headaches. Preventing triggers can help.
 

These include :

• Drinking plenty of water

• Avoiding teeth clenching

• Reducing muscle tension
  
   

For more on chiropractic care for managing chronic headaches, visit Bay Bodywork & Chiropractic. Our office is in San Jose, California. Call (408) 634-8005 to schedule an appointment today.