Headaches and Migraines
Can a Chiropractor Help with Migraines?
Approximately 12% of all Americans — nearly 40 million people — get
migraine headaches, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many
people also experience tension headaches and cluster headaches, which
cause debilitating pain and other symptoms. When all is said and done,
headaches impact 40% of the American population in some way, making them
one of the most common health problems among adults.
What Are Common Triggers for Migraines
- Spinal misalignments can compress the cervical spinal nerves, causing nerve irritation and swelling, which may lead to headaches and pain.
- Stress: About 70% of people with migraines report that high levels of stress tend to trigger their symptoms.
- Hormonal changes: Migraines are more common in women than in men, which might be explained by the hormonal changes that occur during the
menstrual cycle. Up to 75% of female migraine sufferers report that they experience attacks just before or during their menstrual periods. - Poor sleep: Sleeping too much, not getting enough sleep, and maintaining an irregular sleep schedule have all been associated with migraine headaches.
- Alcohol use: Some people with migraines report that their symptoms are worse after they consume alcohol, especially if they drink red wine.
- Dietary habits: Preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and salty foods have been known to make migraine symptoms worse in some individuals.
- Weather: In some cases, migraine symptoms worsen with changes in barometric pressure, severe storms, or extreme levels of heat. Strong smells, such as perfumes, gasoline, or chemicals, can trigger migraine symptoms.
Can a Chiropractor help with Migraines?
At Neighborhood Chiropractic, our Doctor can help relieve symptoms of migraines and other headaches, typically through computerized spinal adjustments (Pro-Adjuster), manual manipulation, massage, and other techniques. Dr. Park is also skilled in treating tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
Does Chiropractic Care Treat Other Types of Headaches?
At Neighborhood Chiropractic, we treat a range of headaches, including tension, cluster, and cervicogenic.
Tension headaches and cluster headaches are classified as primary headaches or headaches that aren't a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In contrast, cervicogenic headaches are classified as secondary headaches. They only occur because there's a problem somewhere in the cervical spine.
Dr. Park has over 30 years of experience and the expertise to determine the cause of your headache and provide appropriate chiropractic treatment, easing pain and helping you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible. Call today to schedule an appointment so you can get back to living pain-free as soon as possible.