HOW CAN A CHIROPRACTOR HELP YOU MANAGE MIGRAINES AND HEADACHES?
Some useful information to help you know where to go for tension type headaches and migraines in Amarillo, TX
Headaches and migraines can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These headaches are sometimes characterized by intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days and can be so severe that they disrupt daily activities.
Just to start off with good, responsible information; any new headache or headache that has changed significantly in the past 6 months should probably imaged with an MRI for further evaluation. Especially if the changes are accompanied by balance or behavioral changes.
Now that that is out of the way, many people turn to medication to manage their migraines and headaches, but there are also alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, that can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future occurences.
Tension Type Headache
The most common causes of headaches is tension type headache. About 45% of headaches presenting in a clinic are tension type headaches. Migraines are only about 10% of the true headaches that come into so a healthcare provider.
One of the most common causes of tension type headaches is muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. A chiropractor can use various techniques such as spinal adjustments, specific exercises, and soft tissue work to help relieve muscle tension. This can help reduce pain and inflammation and prevent future headaches. Not only that, but if they do come back around, the headaches will typically be less severe.
As you might imagine, tension type headaches respond very well to massages as well since they are experts at soft tissue work and helping the patient relax and reduce tension. Acupuncture has also been shown to be very effective in eliminating or reducine tension-type headaches.
Also worth mentioning is for patients to have a hormone blood panel run. We are have medical services here at Creek Stone and a common thing to hear from our patients that have had hormone pellets and hormone balancing is that their headaches almost always improve. Hormones can be a huge piece of the headache puzzle and need to be considered.
Migraines
Tension type headaches can be helped in a BIG way by a chiropractor. Migraines however, are a lot more difficult. Migraines are actual dysfunctions within the midbrain in the mechanism that controls what impulses or information is allowed up into the higher processing centers of the brain. Sometimes this mechanism allows impulses up into the brain that is should have denied passage. 'Thou shall not pass' doesn't always happen so silly things get into the brain and wreak havoc eventually ending up in a full blown migraine.
One of the most effective means of controlling migraines is uncovering what is causing them. This can sometimes be done by beginning a migraine journal. When you start feeling one coming on, write in your journal how much sleep you had, what you put in your belly, if you were around anyone with perfume or cologne on, where you went, and your experiences of the day. After several journal entries, you may be able to identify your specific triggers.
In addition, a chiropractor can provide lifestyle and dietary recommendations to help prevent migraines. This may include stress management techniques, soft tissue work, and exercises to improve posture and reduce muscle tension. Researchers think some migraines may be traced back to weak deep neck flexors. That's great news for those that have suffered for years.
Overall, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective alternative treatment option for individuals with tension type and migraine headaches. Through a variety of techniques, a chiropractor can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.
It's important to note that while chiropractic care can often effectively manage migraine headaches, it may not be appropriate for everyone to ONLY see a chiropractor for relief. Great chiropractors are excellent at working with other healthcare professionals, such as neurologists, headache clinics, and/or primary care physicians, to develop an effective treatment plan for managing migraine headaches.
If you or a loved one is suffering from headaches and/or migraines, give us a call at 806-355-3000 and let's get you some help today.
_________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Jeff Williams, DC, FIANM, DABFP, FMS is double Board Certified as a Fellow in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Orthopedics as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Professionals, Certified in Functional Movement Systems, expert witness in personal injury cases, and chiropractor in Amarillo, TX. As an Amarillo chiropractor, Dr. Williams treats chronic pain, disc pain, low back pain, neck pain, whiplash injuries, and more. Dr. Williams is also the host of The Chiropractic Forward Podcast (https://www.chiropracticforward.com). Through the podcast, Dr. Williams teaches fellow chiropractors and advocates weekly for evidence-based, patient-centered practice through current and relevant research. If you have any questions for Dr. Williams, feel free to email at [email protected] Learn more about Dr. Williams and his practice at https://www.amarillochiropractor.com.
Dr. Williams was voted Best Chiropractor In Amarillo in the Best of Amarillo 2020 & 2021. Dr. Williams's full-time Amarillo chiropractic practice is Creek Stone Integrated Medical at 3501 SW 45th St., Ste. T, Amarillo, TX 79109. If you are searching for a chiropractor near me, Dr. Williams is your Amarillo Chiropractor.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Creek Stone Integrated Medical provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician.
