Can A Chiropractor Help With Headache?

A Headache is a common ailment that nearly 1 in 2 people will experience in their lifetime. There’s a very high chance you know someone that’s a frequent headache sufferer too. Headaches can develop and quickly pass, known as an “acute” episode. For some, headaches can come and go on a frequent recurrent basis, becoming a “chronic” condition. Many people struggle finding solutions, cures or ways to manage their headaches, and in some cases, they can be severely debilitating. For some, medications are not very effective and some people do not want to always have to reach into medicine cabinet for a pill bottle to find relief. There is also the reality of developing a “medicine overuse headache”. Some people may say they have tried everything for headaches relief, and are consequently coming to see a chiropractor as a last resort.

But the bottom line is, yes, chiropractors can help with your headaches. Dr Mathew Saturnino at the Woodbridge Rehabilitation Center is here to help if you are experiencing headaches and would like to schedule an examination.

Not all headaches are created equal, and different types of headaches respond to different treatments. Let’s take a moment to review some of the most common headaches we see:

1. Cervicogenic Headache

Like the name implies, a “cervico”genic headache is a secondary headache that develops as a result of muscles, joints and nerves stemming from the cervical spine, or neck. These types of headaches are typically secondary headaches that are preceded by awkward neck movement, poor posture, tight muscles and inflammation in the neck. Patients who experience stiff necks, constant muscle tension and poor posture may develop headaches symptoms on the same side of their neck pain. By relieving tension in joints and surrounding tissues, cervicogenic headaches can resolve. Chiropractic adjustments, muscle release techniques, acupuncture and patient education are all highly effective and recognized treatment approaches to treating cervicogenic headaches.

2. Tension Headache

Tension headaches, or tension-type headaches, are the most common primary headache. Pain from the muscles of the neck, scalp, eyes and shoulders can radiate headache pain to specific areas of the head. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches. Symptoms patients commonly report include experiencing constant pressure or a squeezing tight band of pressure around the head. Tension headaches can last for 30 minutes up to 7 days, be experienced on both sides of the head, and aren’t aggravated by routine physical activity. In many cases, the tight muscles will present with a “trigger point” pattern; sensitive areas of a particular muscle may send pain signals to specific areas of the head. For example, tender trigger points around the shoulder blade as a result radiate pain symptoms to the temple and side of the head. Tension headaches are best managed with chiropractic care, exercise and postural education.

3. Migraine Headache

Migraines are usually moderate to severe headaches that can affect one half of the head. They commonly feel like a pulsation around the head and as a result can last a few hours up to a few days. Common symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to light and sounds, dizziness and/or vomiting. Physical activity can make headache symptoms worse. A common trademark symptom of migraine headaches is “aura”, a short period of visual disturbance, flashing lights or changes in hearing. Migraines have triggers, including certain foods, scents, hormonal changes and exercise. Chiropractic care can be just as effective as medication in the management and treatment of migraine headaches. Patients report similar results in reducing pain intensity, frequency and duration.

A Chiropractor can help manage most uncomplicated headaches. It is important to know that sometimes headaches can be a sign of a more serious health issue. Your chiropractor can properly assess through a thorough physical examination and health history.

At the office of Dr. Mathew Saturnino Woodbridge Chiropractor, we have helped many people like you manage their headaches and we would like to make you, or a loved one a part of our success. For more information or to book an appointment so that you can live headache free, give us a call at 905-856-4444.

Dr. Mathew Saturnino