Chiropractic Can Help with Migraines and Headache Pain

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Each year, migraines and other types of headaches cause millions of people to suffer. Headaches present a range of symptoms that impede concentration and interfere with daily activities. But headaches can often be prevented simply by understanding their possible triggers and taking steps to avoid known causes. The majority of headaches are associated with prolonged contraction of the muscles between the upper part of the spine and the occipital region of the skull, causing feelings of tightness, pressure, and pain.

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Many headache sufferers benefit from chiropractic care. A chiropractor can examine you for spinal misalignments, postural asymmetry, muscle spasm, and nerve pressure - all of which can cause or contribute to tension-type headaches. Once a problem is revealed, the chiropractor can then treat you for these problems without the use of pain medication.

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Other than chiropractic treatment, you can also seek to minimize the common causes for the problems underlying headaches. Some possible triggers are:

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• Remaining for an extended period in a fixed position, such as when sitting in front of a computer, reading, sewing, crocheting, driving, watching a movie, or working at a desk

• Automobile accidents, sports injuries, or other physical traumas

• Sleeping with the neck at an unusual angle

• Poor posture

• Stress

• Dehydration

• Improper lighting (glare on the computer monitor, glare from reflected sunlight, light too dim or at the incorrect angle to read properly)

 

Sometimes, simple changes in one's lifestyle may go a long way toward reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. Some possible changes are:

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• Avoid foods such as chocolate, cheeses, and nuts. These foods contain an amino acid known as tyramine that has been known to trigger headaches in certain individuals.

• Protect your eyes with quality UV protected eyewear. Sunlight is a potential trigger for many headache sufferers.

• Make sure your work station has good ergonomics.

• Get the proper amount of sleep. Too much sleep, or too little sleep may trigger a headache.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Don't overuse pain medication.

 

In rare cases, headaches may be due to a serious underlying pathology. Headaches accompanied by blurred vision, memory loss, vertigo, or elevated temperature may require immediate medical attention. Headaches that increase in severity may also be indicative of a more serious problem that requires medical involvement.