Headaches and chiropractic care: understanding for better relief

Do you often suffer from headaches that ruin your day? You’re not alone. Did you know that nearly 26% of adults worldwide live with tension headaches? Whether it’s a tight band around your head or pain that starts in your neck, chiropractic care offers non-pharmacological (drug-free) solutions to help you regain your well-being.

Tension headache: that “headband-like” sensation

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache. Patients often describe a feeling of pressure or tightness all around the head, as if a headband that is too tight were squeezing their head.

Unlike migraines, this headache does not usually cause nausea or vomiting. It is often associated with tenderness in the muscles of the skull and neck. Although the pain is bothersome, normal physical activities do not usually make it worse.

Cervicogenic headache: when the neck is to blame

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is different. It’s what’s known as a “secondary” headache. This means the pain doesn’t originate in the head itself, but from a problem in your neck (the cervical spine).

Here are some signs that your neck might be causing your headache:

• Your headache began shortly after a neck problem or injury.
• The headaches decrease (in frequency and intensity) as your neck pain improves.
• You feel restricted neck movement and/or pain when you move your neck through its full range of motion.

How can our chiropractors help you?

Chiropractors are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing these types of pain without medication. During your visit, we will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history and current symptoms, and perform a thorough physical and neurological examination.

Treatments for cervicogenic headache

For this type of pain, spinal manipulation (which can produce the familiar “cracking” sound) is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments. We can also use:

• Joint mobilization (gentler and slower than manipulation)
• Soft tissue techniques (therapeutic massage)
• Strengthening and stretching exercises

Treatments for tension headaches

For muscle tension, we often take a combined approach. This includes chiropractic adjustments or other forms of manual therapy, as well as advice, and exercises. We may also provide tools and resources for stress management. In some cases, we may recommend acupuncture or dry needling to release deep-seated tension points.

Why choose chiropractic care?

Research shows that chiropractic care is effective in reducing the severity and frequency of headaches. In addition to addressing pain, we help you adopt healthier lifestyle habits (sleep, posture at work, physical activity) to prevent symptoms from returning.

To learn more about spinal health, visit the website of the Association des chiropraticiens du Québec.

Take action today!

Don’t let headaches take over your life. Our team is here to help you regain your vitality.

Schedule an appointment today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Visit the clinic nearest you:

• Chiropractic – Chelsea Gatineau (secteur Hull)
• Chiropractic – Vaudreuil-Dorion
• Chiropractic – Mirabel
• Chiropractic – Valleyfield
• Chiropractic – Québec (Duberger-Les-Saules)
• Chiropractic – Boucherville
• Chiropractic – Trois-Rivières
• Chiropractic – Sherbrooke

references

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6. Liang Z, Galea O, Thomas L, et al. Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2019;42:67–83; doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.04.007.
7. Himelfarb I, Hyland J, Ouzts N, et al. National Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2020. NBCE: Greeley, CO; 2020.
8. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011;34(5):274–289; doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008.
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