As an ever-growing number of people are working from home and spending long hours on screens, headaches, unsurprisingly, have become increasingly common. The underlying causes of headaches, often observed in chiropractic practice, can typically be attributed to either a disruption in blood flow to the brain or misalignment in the neck, leading to muscle strains and tension.
The Role of Chiropractic in Relieving Headaches
Sometimes, cluster headaches and tension headaches can be linked to the vertebral artery passing through the Atlas (C1) vertebra. When this vertebra becomes shifted or misaligned, it can obstruct the artery, reducing oxygen supply to the brain and causing pressure and tension. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the vertebrae, releasing the accumulated pressure and allowing oxygen to flow freely. Patients may experience a sense of light-headedness as their brain receives an influx of oxygen, helping to restore normal function.
Complementary Therapies for Headache Relief
While chiropractic care is highly effective in relieving headaches, there are other therapeutic approaches that can provide additional relief. Massage therapy, for example, helps relax the muscles, reducing tension and promoting overall well-being. Trigger point therapy and acupuncture are also known to alleviate pressure and tension in the upper spine region, offering alternative options for headache relief.
The Benefits of Chiropractic vs. Medication
While reaching for over-the-counter pain medications to address headaches is tempting, it’s important to understand that medication only temporarily masks the symptoms by blocking the communication between neurons. Muscle spasms and tension remain unresolved, leading to recurring headaches. Prolonged use of painkillers can also have adverse effects on the stomach lining, potentially causing stomach bleeding and other complications.
On the other hand, chiropractic care focuses on addressing the underlying causes of headaches. By realigning the spine and reducing muscle tension, chiropractic treatment offers a more holistic and long-term approach to headache relief.
The Impact of Posture and Eyestrain on Headaches
Improper posture, especially while working on computers, can contribute to an increase in headache frequency. Staring at screens for extended periods and poor posture strains the eyes and irritates the nerve roots, leading to pain signals being sent to the brain. The result? More headaches.
By addressing postural imbalances and providing ergonomic guidance, chiropractors can help individuals improve their posture and reduce strain on the eyes, thereby reducing the occurrence of headaches.
Take That First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to endure headaches. Contact Denn Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Denn.
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