Headache Relief with Chiropractic Care

Spinal misalignments disrupt nerve function and blood flow and are a common root cause of headaches. Chiropractors can remove these interferences and help relieve headache pain naturally.

To start, could you please explain the different types of headaches people experience and how they differ from each other?

Dr. Scott Gardner: There are several different types of headaches. The most common ones are tension headaches. Those are usually triggered by stress and can start with soreness or pain in the neck, upper back or shoulder area.

Sinus headaches occur when the sinus cavity is inflamed. Pain is usually in the forehead, cheekbones, or even the bridge of the nose.

Migraines, that’s usually related to blood vessel contractions and other changes. They may have some preceding factors before the headache actually starts. Some people report seeing a halo around lights or flashing lights or even having an unusual smell that only they smell.

Hormonal headaches occur with women usually during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or even certain hormonal contraceptives can affect estrogen levels that lead to headaches.

Then we have cluster headaches. These are really where there is severe burning or piercing pain around one eye or side of the face. They’re much more likely in men. There is severe pain lasting between 15 and 180 minutes, usually occurring up to eight times per day and lasting for about four to six weeks at a time.

The last one that I’m going to mention is hypotension headaches. Those are caused by excessive or high blood pressure and usually can be treated by lowering blood pressure.

How can issues with the spine and neck such as misalignments cause headaches?

Dr. Scott Gardner: Misalignment of the vertebrae can disrupt nerve function and blood flow. We call this subluxation. Disruption can lead to headaches.

When a new patient comes in seeking headache relief, what does your initial evaluation and exam include as you try to find the cause of their pain?

Dr. Scott Gardner: Our initial evaluation consists of a preliminary screening to see if there’s even a chance that subluxation is at the root of the problem. This is going to include a visual posture check, palpation of the spine, then a complete history so we get a really clear understanding of the person’s exact situation. Next, we’ll do specific orthopedic and neurological tests followed by digital x-rays and a computerized posture exam.

What are the most effective chiropractic treatments and techniques used to alleviate headache pain?

Dr. Scott Gardner: All the chiropractic techniques work. One isn’t better than the other, so it’s really a matter of finding the combination of techniques that the person is most comfortable with and is going to be most effective for them.

Could you discuss the benefits of finding headache relief through natural chiropractic care versus taking medication for the pain?

Dr. Scott Gardner: Chiropractic care can provide long-term relief by addressing the cause of the headache instead of masking the symptoms with medications and by avoiding the potential risk of side effects from the medication. Chiropractic care also will support better posture, improved nervous system function, and overall health.