Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

Frequent headaches are experienced by an estimated 47% of the global population, so chances are that you or someone you know is a frequent headache sufferer. Many people struggle to find solutions, cures or ways to manage their chronic headaches and in some cases, they can be severely debilitating. For some people medications are not very effective and some people do not want to always have to reach for a pill bottle to find relief. There is also the scary reality of being addicted to pills. Some people have tried “everything” and are turning to chiropractors as a last resort.

But the answer is yes, chiropractors can help with your headaches. Our doctors at Oakville Chiropractic are all here to help if you are experiencing headaches and would like to schedule an examination. 

But not all headaches are created equal, and different types of headaches respond to different treatments so first we will take a look at some of the most common types of headaches we see.

1. Cervicogenic Headaches: As the name implies a cervicogenic headache is a headache that is referred pain from structures (ligaments, joints, muscles) in the neck that is causing pain to be felt on the head. About 20% of headaches are cervicogenic. These headaches are often felt across the forehead or around the temples and accompanied by pain in the neck or at the base of the skull. Cervicogenic headaches respond very well to chiropractic care. Often a combination of spinal adjustments, muscle release therapy and postural advice/corrections is all that is needed to keep these headaches at bay.
2. Migraine Headaches: Migraine headaches affect about 12% of the population and can be some of the most difficult form of headache to manage. Often these headaches are described as “throbbing” and are located on one side of the head (not always the same side). Occasionally, migraines are accompanied by “auras” or sensory disturbances like flashes of light of changes in your hearing. Migraine headaches often have triggers, such as certain foods, certain smells, exercise, medications etc. which when identified and eliminated can help prevent migraines. Research has also shown that chiropractic care can be just as effective as medications when managing migraines, showing similar results when looking at a decrease in pain intensity and duration of headaches in the long term.
3. Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are chronic headaches that are often described “like a tight band around your head”. They are caused by chronic muscle tension in the neck and shoulders that stems from stress, poor posture, and improper alignment of the joints in your spine. Tension headaches are best managed with chiropractic care, lifestyle changes, exercising and postural correction.
   

The above three are the most common types of headaches, and are headaches that a chiropractor can help you manage. But it is important to know that there are more types of headaches than this, and sometimes headaches can be a sign of a more serious health issue. It is important that if you are experiencing headaches for the first time, or if the headache you are experiencing is different than usual that you seek advice and examination from a health care professional and not just ignore it.

At Oakville Chiropractic Centre we have so many success stories helping people manage their headaches and we would love to make you, or a loved one a part of that! For more information or to book an appointment so that you can live headache free, give us a call at 905-845-2291.

Dr. Phil Wessel