Providing Chiropractic Care For Chronic Headaches and Migraines

Chiropractic adjustments from your Chiropractor in Grand Rapids can be extremely effective in treating a range of headache types, from tension headaches to migraines. Chiropractic care is especially effective for headaches originating in neck tension or misalignment. Your chiropractor in Grand Rapids highly recommends chiropractic care for headache relief in Grand Rapids.

A 2001 report by Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center researchers found spinal manipulation improved headache pain almost immediately, especially when it originated in the neck. These results mirrored an earlier study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Headaches can come from a wide range of causes, from environmental triggers to TMJ to stress to blood sugar issues. However, tension or subluxation in the upper back or neck is an extremely common root cause of all headache types.

The three main headache types are tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches account to about three-fourths of all headaches suffered. The symptoms include a dull ache on one or both sides of the head and behind the eyes. They can last for around 30 minutes to several days and are usually the result of stress or neck tension caused by subluxations. In more rare cases tension headaches can be caused by pain in trigger points located at the sides of the neck as a side effect of whiplash.

Migraines

Migraines are rarer than tension headaches and tend to affect women far more than men. They can last from hours to days and are characterized by additional symptoms beyond head pain. These can include nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. Many migraine sufferers report seeing an aura of light just before a migraine comes on. Migraine issues tend to run in families and are characterized by alternating constriction and dilation of blood vessels that cause pressure in the brain. Migraines can be triggered by loud sounds, flashing lights and even certain foods and smells.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are short in duration, felt on just one side but very excruciating. They are the rarest type of headache and tend to occur in “clusters” of around 4 throughout one day.

Spinal manipulative therapy is extremely effective in many cases of headache pain. Those who select chiropractic treatment for headache or migraine pain experience a more sustained benefit than those who take pain medication.

Your Grand Rapids Chiropractor Brings Relief For Chronic Headaches

Relief for tension headaches and migraines often comes from manipulation of the two upper cervical vertebrae by your Grand Rapids chiropractor. Adjustments between the thoracic and cervical spine also help. While migraine sufferers must steer clear of lifestyle triggers such as foods and atmospheric conditions, chiropractic care can help to bring them much needed relief.

If you suffer from chronic or acute headaches, see your Grand Rapids chiropractor Grand Strand Health and Wellness. We offer expert headache relief in Grand Rapids MI and can treat migraines, chronic headaches and cluster headaches. Call us today at (616) 432-3103 to schedule an appointment.