Chiropractic For Headaches

We’ve all suffered through headaches before – the aching, pounding, throbbing pain. Most of us only deal with headaches every once in a while. But, chronic headaches and migraines can negatively impact overall health, wellness, and relationships.

At Wills Chiropractic, we treat many patients that suffer from different types of headaches, but what are the different types and why do they occur?

• Tension headaches - Tension headaches are associated with intense pain, a pounding head, pain in the jaw and temples. Tension headaches are thought to be caused by stress, impaired sleep, or skipping meals
• Hypertension - Hypertension headaches are associated with moderate to severe pain on both side of your head, chest pain, vision changes, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, and trouble breathing. Hypertension headaches are usually brought on by high blood pressure and are considered a medical emergency.
• Allergy/Sinus - Sinus headaches are associated with pain in the front of your head and sinus area. Sinus headaches are caused by inflamed sinuses (hence the name). These are typically caused by allergic reactions. Sinus infections are also likely to produce a sinus headache. It’s worth mentioning that migraines are often misdiagnosed as sinus headaches.
• Cluster - Cluster headaches are associated with tension in your eye, drooping eyelid, swelling, sweating, and nasal congestion. Cluster headaches are thought to be caused by genetics, alcohol use, or strong scents like perfume, household cleaners, etc.
• Migraine - Migraines are a special type of headache with vascular and/or neurological components. Some people suffer from migraines without even having a headache. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, the appearance of abnormal spots in the visual field, and even speech problems. Severe migraines can even take on the appearance of strokes.

Depending on the type of headache a person is suffering from, what triggered it, and how severe it is, chiropractic care may be able to help. By gently adjusting your neck and spinal alignment, chiropractic care can provide pain relief for headaches.

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Frequently Asked Headache Questions

Is my spine the source of all my headaches?

Not necessarily. The three most common causes of headaches are physical trauma, emotional stress or chemical toxins. Sometimes there may be a combination of factors causing your headaches. The examination process at Wills Chiropractic will help identify the most likely cause(s).

I was told it was “all in my head.” Now what?

The pain you feel is real. Psychological sources of pain are common. However, this “diagnosis” is often the last resort of health practitioners who have exhausted their possible explanations of the cause of your problem. In these cases, we’ve often found that undetected spinal misalignments are likely the culprits, and we can help you with that.

How many visits will it take to relieve my headache pain?

Some patients enjoy results quickly. Others notice a slow decline in their headaches after several weeks or longer of chiropractic care. It’s impossible to predict. If you’ve had chronic headaches for many years, improvement can take time. We will monitor your progress and modify our recommendations as needed.

What if chiropractic care doesn’t help?

If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your headaches, we will refer you to other experts who may be able to help. Your health and wellness are our top priority.

How come my medical doctor didn’t suggest chiropractic?

Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care, but attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring to chiropractors.

If you are suffering from chronic headaches or migraines, Wills Chiropractic can help.

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