November 1, 2022
Most people who experience headaches describe them as a tight band around the head or eyes. Others may feel a dull ache in one or more areas of the head. A common type of headache in the United States is a tension headache. These occur because of subluxations in the back or neck. The most effective way to treat them is through spinal corrections by an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake.
Symptoms can vary depending on the individual experiencing head pain in Southlake. One person might feel nauseous, while another will feel a pounding in the head. The pain can range from a dull pound to extremely sharp. Lengths of headaches can also vary from a few minutes to several days. While headaches associated with serious causes require immediate medical attention, most can be soothed by an upper cervical chiropractor.
Benefits of Visiting an Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Southlake
When someone is experiencing head pain in Southlake, an upper cervical chiropractor can use spinal correction, active and passive exercises, and massage to stop the pain in its tracks. The great thing about this combination of techniques is that they can address various types of headaches. This type of care can also be used to prevent and manage headaches.
Since chiropractic care can be used as an effective solution for an array of issues, it is becoming increasingly popular. Guidelines are in place for upper cervical chiropractors in terms of how to treat headaches, including a cervicogenic headache, a migraine, and a tension headache.
These guidelines ensure all chiropractic care is always effective while being safe for the person undergoing it. The approach used by the chiropractic doctor will change based on the type of headache the patient is experiencing.
Cervicogenic Headaches
People experiencing a cervicogenic headache will often feel pain on a single side of the back of the head. It will then start moving to the front of the head. Pain in the shoulder or arm on the same side is also common. Most experts believe that a cervicogenic headache occurs when there is an issue with the neck. This is usually due to an injury of some sort.
These headaches are far less common than others, and medication does not offer improvement. However, an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake can help. They will use the hands or a device for upper cervical correction. This creates controlled pressure on one of the spinal joints. When the pressure is applied, a popping sound will often be heard.
Another choice for these headaches is known as joint mobilization. When someone has a headache, the cervical spine is targeted. The upper cervical chiropractor will passively move the joints to increase movement and decrease pain. Deep neck flexion exercises are also commonly used. It adds an active method of moving the muscles and joints.
One example of these exercises would start with the patient lying flat on the ground. Next, several chin tucks are done before the head is nodded. This can trigger muscle contractions that last for about 10 seconds. After that, the person will rest for 10 seconds before performing an additional 15 repetitions.
The primary objective is to stretch the flexor muscles of the neck. They are essential for good neck support, and working with them can eliminate neck pain in Southlake.
Migraines
People who experience migraines have symptoms that may include dizziness, nausea, and headache. Unlike a cervicogenic headache, a migraine’s symptoms can be eased with medication. Pain injections may also be used to treat acute and chronic migraines and prevent them from occurring.
The problem with using medications for migraines is that they treat the pain but do not take into account the underlying issues that might cause migraines to happen. While some people find that medication helps migraines, others feel it doesn’t work quite so well. The good news is that migraines can be addressed by an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake.
A neuromuscular massage is warranted for migraines. This form of massage concentrates on the trigger spots in the back, shoulders, neck, and head to soothe a patient’s symptoms.
Multidisciplinary care intervention is a useful option for migraines. This includes dietary counseling, relaxation techniques, stress management, and physical therapy exercise. These things combine to help decrease the frequency, length, and pain associated with migraines.
Tension Headaches
The final headache that can be treated by an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake is the tension headache. These headaches are often caused by persistent tightness in the neck, shoulders, and head. Pain medications, including anti-inflammatories and acetaminophen, are often used for tension headaches. However, neck pain in Southlake can also be naturally resolved using chiropractic care.
For tension headaches, modified chiropractic care is often the best solution. Low-load craniocervical mobilization is one of the most used therapies for this form of headache. Compared to traditional chiropractic spinal manipulation, this uses less force. Pressure is placed on the neck joints to create a rhythmic movement. Stretching is also a common part of the care solution.
Make Lifestyle Modifications in Tandem with Upper Chiropractic Care to Resolve Headaches
Making one or several lifestyle modifications in tandem with seeing an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake can create even better results. The right care option is often multifaceted and requires knowledge about a patient’s specific headache triggers. Many upper cervical chiropractors will work with patients to find the cause of the headaches. A few of the factors that may play a part include:
- Eating certain foods
- Environment (including light and sound)
- Hours spent on a computer or phone
- Insomnia
- Stress
After the cause of the headaches is known, small changes can be made to prevent them from occurring. For instance, a tension headache may occur due to staying in one position for an extended period. This can create muscle tension and irritate joints, cause more frequent headaches, and lead to muscle tension.
Choosing to make lifestyle changes along with visiting an upper cervical chiropractor in Southlake can help with various headaches. Instead of choosing to take medication for a headache, seeing a chiropractor might be a better choice in the long run.
