HEADACHES

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.

New research shows that a spinal adjustment may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

Headache Triggers

Headaches have many causes, or "triggers." These may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.).
Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.

What Can You Do?

The ACA (American Chiropractic Association) suggests the following:

• Stretching if you are at the computer for long periods of time.
  

• Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. 

• Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing.  This may lead to tension headaches. 

• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead to headaches.

Certain foods may also trigger headaches try to avoid:

• Avoid caffeine. Foods such as chocolate, coffee, sodas and cocoa contain high levels of the stimulant.

• Avoid foods with a high salt or sugar content. 

• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. 

How Can Your Chiropractor Help?

• Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.

• Provide nutritional advice, recommending a change in diet and perhaps the addition of B complex vitamins.

• Offer advice on posture, ergonomics (work postures), exercises and relaxation techniques. This advice should help to relieve the recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.