Is Your Headache Really a Pain in the Neck?
Is Your Headache Really a Pain in the Neck?
by Dr. Ashleigh Stableforth, Chiropractor
If you’ve ever had a headache that feels like a band of tightness wrapping around your head, traveling from the back of your neck to your eyes, you’re not alone. These are classic signs of a tension headache—a headache that can quite literally be “a pain from the neck.”
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension-type headaches stem from tight muscles in the scalp, neck, and shoulders. Many people with desk jobs, those who drive for long periods, or workers performing repetitive tasks (like in factories) are especially prone to these headaches. You might feel throbbing, nausea, or sensitivity to light or noise, which often leads people to confuse a tension headache with a migraine.
While over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help, there are more natural, longer-lasting solutions available—one of which is chiropractic care.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Tension Headaches
When you visit a chiropractor for tension headaches, the process involves more than just a quick adjustment. Your chiropractor will take a detailed history of your headache symptoms to rule out other possible causes. A typical treatment might include:
- Releasing tension: The chiropractor will work on trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and scalp muscles, easing the tension that leads to headache pain.
- Stretching and mobilization: Gentle movements of your neck and shoulder joints, along with stretching the muscles, help improve flexibility and reduce tightness.
- Adjustments: If needed, spinal adjustments can help restore normal range of motion in your neck and upper back, reducing muscle tension and improving nerve flow.
What to Expect After Chiropractic Treatment
After your first chiropractic session, you may feel immediate relief from pain and stiffness. However, it may take a few treatments to experience long-lasting relief, particularly if you’ve been suffering from tension headaches for a while.
Your chiropractor may also recommend exercises or stretches to keep the muscles relaxed, as well as applying heat or ice. They might even suggest a massage or tips on improving your posture both at work and while sleeping.
Next Time, Think Chiropractic!
So, the next time you feel that familiar tension headache coming on and reach for a bottle of Advil, remember that chiropractic care offers a natural and effective solution for long-term relief. Don’t just mask the pain—address the root cause and feel the difference!
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