Struggling with constant headaches or migraines? Discover how chiropractic care can provide lasting relief by addressing the root causes of your pain. From tension headaches caused by stress and poor posture to migraines triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors, this blog dives into effective, natural solutions that go beyond just masking the symptoms. Learn how spinal adjustments, muscle tension release, and lifestyle changes can help you regain control of your life.
What are the Causes of Headaches and Migraines?
What are some migraine triggers?
How to get rid of a headache with Chiropractic care?
Benefits of Chiropractic care for headache and migraine relief
What to expect during a Chiropractic visit for headache relief?
Headaches and migraines can be incredibly disruptive, affecting everything from work productivity, your social life to daily tasks. While over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief, they often mask the symptoms without addressing root causes. Did you know that many types of headaches, including tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, can be linked to issues such as spinal dysfunction and muscular tension? This is where chiropractic care can make a difference, providing a natural, non-invasive solution to manage and reduce headache frequency and intensity by addressing the underlying causes.
In this blog, we’ll explore how chiropractic care can support headache and migraine management, helping you achieve lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Headaches and migraines come in various forms and can be triggered by numerous factors. Two common types that respond well to chiropractic care include tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.
By focusing on spinal health, function, and muscular tension relief, chiropractic care can address these root causes and help manage chronic headache symptoms.
Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding these triggers is key to managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks. Common physical triggers include lack of sleep, dehydration, or skipping meals. Stress and anxiety are also major culprits, as they can lead to muscle tension and changes in brain chemistry. Environmental factors like strong smells, bright lights, loud noise or sudden weather changes can exacerbate symptoms as well. Hormonal shifts, especially in women around menstruation or menopause, are another frequent trigger.
Additionally, certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or foods containing MSG, can set off a migraine in susceptible individuals. People with migraines need to track these potential triggers, as each person’s migraine profile can be unique, and pinpointing what sets off an attack can lead to better prevention and management strategies.
Migraine symptoms can vary between individuals and across migraine episodes, but they typically include both pre-headache symptoms (known as prodrome or aura) and headache symptoms. Here’s an overview of common symptoms associated with migraines:
Mood Changes: Irritability, depression, or euphoria.
Food Cravings: Unusual cravings or increased appetite.
Fatigue: Feeling very tired or having difficulty concentrating.
Neck Stiffness: Tightness or discomfort in the neck and upper shoulders.
Frequent Yawning: Unexplained yawning, even when not tired.
Digestive Issues: Constipation, diarrhea, or nausea.
These symptoms can occur hours or even a day or two before the headache phase begins.
Visual Disturbances: Seeing flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots (scotomas).
Sensory Changes: Tingling, numbness or pins and needles, often starting in the face or hands.
Speech Difficulties: Trouble speaking or finding the right words.
Auditory Changes: Ringing in the ears or sensitivity to sounds.
Balance Difficulties: Vertigo symptoms or unsteadiness on one's feet.
Aura symptoms generally last between 5 and 60 minutes and may occur before or during the headache phase.
Throbbing or Pulsating Pain: Often on one side of the head, though it can occur on both.
Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Bright lights can worsen the headache.
Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia): Loud noises can intensify the pain.
Nausea and Vomiting: Common with migraines and can be severe.
Sensitivity to Smell (Osmophobia): Scents or odors may become overwhelming or aggravate symptoms.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady or faint.
Migraine headaches can last from a few hours to several days, typically ranging from 4 to 72 hours if untreated.
Postdrome Symptoms (After the Headache)
Exhaustion: Feeling drained or fatigued.
Mood Changes: Some people feel unusually happy or euphoric, while others may feel depressed or sluggish.
Muscle Weakness: Especially in the neck or shoulders, potentially lingering for a day or two.
The postdrome phase is often referred to as a "migraine hangover" and can last up to 24 hours after the headache subsides.
Chiropractic care is a popular choice among migraine treatments. It centers on the spine and nervous system, which play crucial roles in overall health and wellness. For those suffering from headaches and migraines, chiropractic care may involve gentle adjustments to correct spinal dysfunction, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. Here’s how each aspect of chiropractic care works to alleviate headaches:
Choosing chiropractic care as a solution for headaches or migraines offers multiple benefits:
If you’re considering chiropractic care for headache or migraine relief, here’s what to expect:
Headaches and migraines can be complex, with diverse causes and triggers ranging from spinal dysfunction and muscle tension to environmental and lifestyle factors. Understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing—whether it’s tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, or migraines—and recognising your unique triggers is key to effective management. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that addresses these root causes, providing natural, drug-free relief through spinal adjustments, muscle tension release, and improved circulation.
By combining chiropractic treatments with lifestyle changes such as better posture, stress management, and trigger avoidance, you can achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Don’t let headaches and migraines disrupt your daily activities—take the first step towards lasting relief. At Burswood Health, part of WA Health Group, we’re here to help you with complimentary health assessments and personalised care to guide you on your journey to wellness.