Headaches happen. In fact, nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea. They usually come on slowly, and typically start at the base of the skull/upper part of the neck and may radiate into the eyes, the temple, or other locations, and maybe felt on one or both sides of the head. For some people, loud noises or bright lights can make a headache worse, and others may become nauseated or experience odd smells, sounds, or sights before and during the headache.

There are numerous “whys” when it comes to the cause of a headache. Headaches have “triggers” that can include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.), and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About five percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems. Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease, and the headache itself is the primary concern.

So what do you do when you get a headache? Grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative, and you guessed it, it’s chiropractic.

Research shows that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

If You Want to Keep Headaches at Bay

I recommend that you maintain proper posture and neck movements while performing your normal activities, as well as:

• Avoid slouching
• Avoid reading with your neck bent forward
• Keep your computer monitor at eye level
• Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the computer.
• Stay hydrated

At Carlson Chiropractic Center, we treat people with all types of headaches and have a high success rate for people suffering from tension-type headaches and headaches caused by problems with the joints and muscles in the neck. Through chiropractic adjustments, as well as stretching and strengthening exercises, our patients are getting through their days, headache-free! The bottom line, regular chiropractic care will not only help you get rid of your headaches, but it will also improve your health and overall quality of life!