Headaches are a common health ailment that many Americans experience. In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans report suffering from headaches at some point in their lives. Out of that group, over 13% of people experience migraines. Although headaches are common, that doesn’t mean that they are normal. Just know that if you experience headaches, you are certainly not alone.
Headaches range from intense migraines that can leave a person bedridden to a dull ache that may be obnoxious but doesn’t significantly impact day-to-day activities. Some people deal with daily headaches, while others only experience them occasionally.
Headaches can be brought on by various things such as bright lights, certain smells, triggering foods, loud noises, stressors, or many other issues. When headaches occur, they can impact a person’s ability to think cohesively and make good decisions. The people around them may also be affected significantly.
Different Types of Headaches
Chiropractors can treat many types of headaches. Most often, the headaches they treat fall into three main categories: tension headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches.
Tension headaches are possibly the most common. A person with a tension headache may experience a band-like tension running around the perimeter of their head. Most professionals say that tension headaches are the result of muscle tension.
Migraine headaches are known for being affected by sensitivity to sound and light. Those experiencing migraines may also have feelings of dizziness and nausea. Most of the time, these headaches present themselves on one side of the head. Some medications can prevent headaches or treat the symptoms once an episode occurs.
Cervicogenic headaches are considered to stem from underlying neck problems. This type of headache, unfortunately, does not respond well to most medications. Cervicogenic headaches usually start at one side of the head and extend towards the front. They may also cause pain in the same-side arm or shoulder.
How Can I Relieve Headache Symptoms?
Although medications are used frequently by people seeking relief from headaches, they don’t directly address the source of the issue. Resting in a dark room away from excess sound or light might provide relief but doesn’t address the source.
One way that some patients find relief, however, is through chiropractic care. Good chiropractic care can remove interferences with the nervous system, often leading to some relief from the headaches. Some other steps can be taken to help relieve the symptoms of headaches from home.
First, if you spend most of your time sitting at a desk, driving extensively, staring at a television to play video games, or working long hours looking at a computer, you may be more likely to experience headaches. Take frequent breaks and stand up to stretch each hour. You’ll want to be sure to stretch your head, neck, shoulders, and back using a variety of motion exercises. This will help relax your muscles and reduce strain, which can lead to headaches.
Next, be sure you are performing walking, light aerobics, or other low-impact exercises daily. Additionally, you will want to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches and can be easily avoided.
You may also be prone to clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, particularly when under pressure. This can lead to excess tension in your jaw, leading to frequent headaches. Finally, relaxation techniques can be very beneficial to those who suffer from frequent headaches. You may want to ask a friend or partner to give you a massage, practice meditation, slow down your breathing, or even take time to unplug. Reducing stress and tension for your mind can impact the stress and tension that your body may feel.
How Can Hunt Spinal Care Help Treat Headaches?
One leading cause of headaches comes when muscles are unbalanced. The tension in the upper neck and head can end up pulling on your spine and skull. This puts pressure on your nervous system, leading to headaches.
The team at Hunt Spinal Care uses a gentle chiropractic approach to help free your nervous system, restore your posture, and correctly balance muscle tension. Once the nervous system is released, the body can more efficiently heal. Patients often report less frequent and less severe migraines and headaches after proper chiropractic care.
Although prescription and over-the-counter medicine may be helpful, many people prefer to relieve their pain using a more natural approach. Chiropractic care is a great option to help ease the pain from headaches in a safe and non-invasive way. Contact Hunt Spinal Care today to learn more about how we can help you with your headaches and migraines, allowing you to return quickly to a more enjoyable and headache-free life.