Background:
Except perhaps for the common cold, no ailment afflicts more people than headaches. The majority of pain relievers are sold to relieve them. But chiropractic care can both relieve a headache and prevent one from coming on.
What Causes Headaches? According to the American Chiropractic Association, headaches are frequently associated with muscle tension in the neck. Chiropractic adjustments are specifically designed to relieve this tension. Chiropractors can also give advice on posture; poor posture can cause neck pain and contribute to headaches.
What does Conventional Medicine Say About Chiropractic and Headaches?
Conventional medicine has over the past 30 years steadily looked more favorably upon chiropractic. In a recent case study reported in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, a female schoolteacher “experienced long-term relief from tension-type headaches and major depression following chiropractic treatment.” (Depression is a potential consequence of long-term pain.) The woman, who had been experiencing “disabling” daily headaches for two years, received chiropractic adjustments to her neck and upper back for several months. She eliminated all use of pain medication and has remained headache-free for over six years.
Is There Anything I can do at Home?
The American Chiropractic Association recommends: 1. Take frequent breaks throughout the day and stretch your head and neck. 2. Low-impact exercise such as walking or gentle aerobics can relieve headache pain. 3. Avoid teeth clenching. 4. Drink adequate water; dehydration is strongly associated with headaches.
Yours for better health,
Jon Mills, DC
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