If you find yourself having frequent headaches don’t worry because you are not alone. 9% of men and 12% of women in the U.S. experience at least 1-2 headache episodes per month. More than 4% of the U.S. population suffers from frequent headaches, defined as headaches that occur at least 180 days a year. Headaches are now something that has become a common issue among our population, and is a condition that chiropractors find themselves treating more often.
What Causes Headaches?
Headaches can be triggered by many different causes and behaviors. This includes things such as the foods you consume, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). A majority of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease, but rather the headache itself is the primary concern. In many cases, these primary headaches are caused by some sort of muscle tension in the neck. Today, many of us engage in more sedentary activities than in times past, and more of our time is spent in one fixed position or posture, such as sitting in front of a computer. These types of behaviors can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck and upper back causing your head to ache.
Common Types of Headaches
Migraines
Cluster
Tension
Medication Overuse
Trauma
What Can You Do?
There are various activities that you can do to help you avoid frequent headaches. This includes things like drinking more water to maintain hydration, managing stress, getting the appropriate amount of sleep, and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise regimen. If these remedies do not appear to be helping with your headaches, you might consider working with a chiropractor for treatment. Chiropractors can Perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system. They can also consult with you about advice related to nutrition, posture, and exercise techniques which can help alleviate recurring joint and muscle irritation in the neck and upper back. Our Duluth chiropractor Dr. Torgrimson may be able to help in treating your headaches. If you are concerned about your health, and think you are experiencing any of the issues related to headaches, then we urge you to schedule an appointment with us. You can contact Associated Chiropractic Physicians at (218) 728-3686, we have over 30 years of chiropractic experience and look forward to helping you!