How Chiropractors Can Help With Headaches and Migraines
Headaches are one of the most common problems that people across the country face. Many people turn to medications to help them manage their headaches; however, these medications can lead to unpleasant side effects that might be worse than the headache itself. For this reason, everyone needs to know that there are alternatives available in the Sandy Springs area. The team from Lefranc Chiropractic LLC is here to ensure that everyone knows how a chiropractor can help them manage their headaches.
What are the Different Types of Headaches?
When people come to see us at Lefranc Chiropractic LLC for help with their headaches, there are a few common types that we see. For example:
- We see a lot of tension headaches. These are the most common headaches. They tend to develop when the muscles around the scalp are pulled tightly. This causes people to feel like there is a vice or a grip that is pinching the skull.
- We also see patients who come to see us with migraine headaches. These are devastating headaches that can cause someone to feel nauseous and start vomiting. People are often afraid of bright lights and loud noises during a migraine. These headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
- Finally, we also see cluster headaches from time to time. This can cause half of the face to become paralyzed. The muscles might start to twitch and people might sweat and cry on one half of their face.
How can Chiropractic Care Help with Headaches?
If someone is suffering from headaches, there are a few ways in which chiropractic care can be helpful. A trained chiropractor can perform adjustments on the spine that alter the way blood flows through the body. A chiropractor can also impact the way nerve signals are distributed. This can help the muscles and nervous system relax, leading to headache relief. Our goal is to not only treat headaches but also prevent them from returning, leading to a better overall quality of life.
Make an Appointment at Lefranc Chiropractic LLC Today!
It is critical for people to know that they do not have to take prescription medications to control their headaches because there are other options available. At Lefranc Chiropractic LLC, we are here to serve the people of the Sandy Springs area. While we can treat headaches, we focus on treating the entire person from head to toe. We take a unique approach to healthcare in that we believe the body can heal itself naturally. Allow us to show you what this means. Call us today to make an appointment with our team! We look forward to helping you relieve your headache and migraine pains.
Headache Q & A
What kinds of headaches can chiropractic care help with?
Chiropractic care can help with most types of headaches, including:
Tension headache
A tension headache causes a persistent pain in your forehead, neck, and sometimes in the back of your skull. Some tension headache sufferers describe a tension headache as feeling like their skull is being squeezed relentlessly.
Cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches occur because of an issue in your cervical spine or your neck's soft tissues. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis in your cervical spine you might get cervicogenic headaches. This type of headache causes pain in the head and often in the neck, too. Cervicogenic headaches are frequently side-locked, or occurring on only your left or right side.
Migraines
Migraines cause persistent throbbing pain, and may also cause other symptoms like light sensitivity and nausea. Migraines are often side-locked, and can be severe enough to be incapacitating.
Your Lefranc Chiropractic care provider can determine which type of headache you’re dealing with so you can start an effective treatment plan.
What is the treatment for headaches?
There are several different treatments for headaches available at Lefranc Chiropractic, all of which are noninvasive. Treatment often includes spinal manipulation, in which your chiropractor makes specific adjustments to your spine to alleviate the pressure that's causing or contributing to your headaches.
Spinal traction may help with more-severe headaches that don’t respond to chiropractic adjustments. Additionally, Lefranc Chiropractic offers the following treatments for further symptom relief:
- Electrical stimulation
- Cryotherapy
- Hot packs
- Ultrasound therapy
- Nutritional counseling
They can also recommend specific exercises and relaxation tools to help you cope with headaches when they occur.
What can I do at home to minimize my headaches?
In addition to your chiropractic care, you can make some lifestyle adjustments to help prevent and minimize headaches. The American Chiropractic Association recommends standing and performing gentle head and neck stretches every 30-60 minutes during the day. Your Lefranc Chiropractic care provider can teach you the exercises most beneficial for you.
Regular low-impact exercise can help with headache pain relief. Walking is a great choice, but avoid high-impact exercise while you've got an active headache.
If you clench your teeth, make a conscious effort to force jaw relaxation. Avoid letting your top teeth touch the bottom ones. Have plenty of water, as dehydration can contribute to headaches.
Use online booking or call Lefranc Chiropractic to schedule your appointment now.
