It’s estimated that approximately 45 million Americans complain of headaches annually, and more than 39 million Americans are affected by migraines. While reaching for OTC medication or taking prescription medication are common approaches to easing pain, chiropractic care offers a drug-free and effective way to alleviate headaches and migraines. But first, let’s look at why people get them.
What Are Some Common Causes?
Headaches and migraines have various triggers, including hormonal imbalances, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, stress from work or finances, too much screen time, and physical stressors like poor posture.
How Misalignments Lead to Headaches
Misalignments in the spine, particularly the cervical spine (neck area), can significantly impact the occurrence of headaches. The upper cervical spine and occiput (base of the skull) are areas where slight misalignments can compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to headaches.
How Does Chiropractic Help?
Cervicogenic headaches, for example, are one type that we see here in the practice. This type is linked to neck tension and misalignments and can be alleviated directly through chiropractic adjustments that reduce muscular tension and improve spinal alignment.
Chiropractors use various techniques to address all types of headaches, including manual spinal adjustments. Dr. Graciela also does some gentle cranial work.
I will work more on the soft tissue around the cranium to allow those muscles and tissues and ligaments to relax. That will also improve blood flow into the areas and the soft tissues around the skull and the neck. So it’s going to allow more nutrients to go to that area to allow the body to heal”
Each patient may respond differently to treatments, so Dr. Graciela often tailors her approach to meet individual needs, ensuring the most effective care plan is implemented.
Addressing Chronic Cases
If you suffer from chronic headaches, a more in-depth approach is necessary. Dr. Graciela often will look into a patient’s lifestyle, work habits, and health history to identify potential triggers. She will adjust her treatment plans based on these findings, often coordinating with a patient’s primary care physician if other issues are present, such as hormonal imbalances.
A Patient Success Story
One of Dr. Graciela’s patients experienced seasonal allergies, and because of the sinus pressure, she was having a lot of headaches and migraines. In addition to coming in for chiropractic care, the patient also engaged in more physical activity and spent more time outside. According to Dr. Graciela, the patient hasn’t had a headache in the last five months, and she used to have headaches every week.
Stop the Pounding & Start the Healing Today
If you’re experiencing headaches or migraines, consider chiropractic care as a viable option. It’s important to remember that pain is not a normal part of life—it’s a signal that something needs attention.
Contact LifeGiving Chiropractic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Graciela in our Suwanee location. She has helped many patients find relief from their headaches and migraines. We also want to help you put your pain in the past.