Headaches can be uncomfortable and debilitating. It can be hard to get through your tasks for the day when your head’s throbbing or feels like it’s about to explode from the pressure. In severe cases, the pain can last several hours or even days. There are various possible causes of headaches, including stress, dehydration, alcohol, and lack of sleep.
Those who don’t want to take medicine for their headaches usually resort to home remedies. But self-management won’t address the root of the issue. If you want a drug-free way to relieve your headaches, a visit to the chiropractor can help.
To guide you, here are the different kinds of headaches and how a chiropractor can treat them.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are common and can happen to anyone. Most people describe it as tightness or pressure around the head. As you can guess from the name, stress is one of the causes of tension headaches.
There can also be an underlying spine misalignment issue that’s tugging at the scalp muscles and causing tightness around the head. A chiropractor can adjust your spine and restore it to proper alignment.
Migraine Headache
Many people suffer from migraine headaches, but the symptoms differ for everyone. Aside from pain, you may have nausea, disturbed vision, or light sensitivity. Some will experience signs like light flashes before the migraine begins. But for others, it happens randomly and without warning.
Migraines are taxing and can last several hours. Fortunately, chiropractors can alleviate the symptoms through spinal adjustments and stress reduction.
Sinus Headache
When fluid blocks the sinuses behind your nasal passages, you might experience a sinus headache. The most common symptom is pain or pressure in the forehead, brows, or cheeks. You may also feel fatigued or have a stuffy nose. In addition, the pain may worsen if you lie down or tilt your head forward.
Chiropractors can help with sinus headaches by performing neck adjustments. That can relax your throat and open up your sinus passages.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches aren’t as common as the others on this list, but they’re significantly more excruciating and stressful. The painful attacks happen only on one side of the face and can come with twitching, paralysis, or sweating. Some people also say their eyes tear up or their noses run during episodes.
Nerve issues are the culprit for these symptoms. Chiropractors can address cluster headaches by restoring mobility in your upper cervical joints. That will relax your nervous system and help it function normally.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches because they stem from the structures in the neck. The pain is chronic and recurring, and neck movements usually trigger it. It will start from the base of the skull and extend upwards to the forehead and brows and down to the neck and back.
Because these headaches result from a cervical issue, chiropractic care is the best treatment method. Your chiropractor can help relieve the pain and discomfort you’re feeling through spinal manipulation.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care may not be the most common solution to headaches, but it can be highly effective. Your chiropractor will assess your condition, diagnose the issue, and provide a personalized treatment plan.
If your headaches are becoming more frequent and severe, it’s time to seek professional help from a chiropractor. For more information, contact Fletcher Chiropractic at 402-261-5766.