When you get a headache, everything you need to accomplish in your day, whether at work or home, becomes harder. You may work slower, reducing your productivity, and adding to your overall stress. In extreme or chronic cases, you may not be able to work at all, and need to lie down for awhile. Either way, you need relief as quickly as possible to get back to your day. If you have tried unsuccessfully to find help with other doctors, you may have finally asked yourself, can chiropractors help headaches? The answer is yes.
The first step in this process is to find a nearby chiropractor that takes your insurance if you have it. Then make an appointment with them as soon as possible. They may be able to get you in the same day or next. Stress that your headaches are impeding on your lifestyle, and that you want to see if they can assist with the pain.
During this consultation, you will be asked a lot of questions, such as which type of a headache you get, and how frequently. The doctor needs to determine if you are suffering from tension, cluster or migraine headaches. You may also be asked about your job, family and home life to see if any sources of stress are adding to your aggravation.
Based on all this information and a medical exam, a chiropractor may be able to alleviate some or all of the headaches. A tension headache, for example, may have something to do with a misalignment in your spine, also known as a spinal subluxation. This means that the bones in the spinal column as not where they should be. Sometimes, this can be corrected by a simple adjustment or two that the physician can do right there in their office.
They may also take a very close look at your neck, as pains in that area can cause tension as well. These are often seen in people who have been in car accidents or otherwise had a case of whiplash. Some whiplash clears up on its own, but if it does not, it can cause throbbing aches in your head, which can be repeated and chronic. A few adjustments to that area may alleviate your pain in the same way that spinal adjustments do.
In addition to chiropractic care, the doctor may also assign you some exercises or stretches to keep the aching at bay. There may also be lifestyle changes, like asking you to slouch less or pay attention to your posture more, which can also trigger a headache.
Do as instructed, and make sure you keep any standing appointments for repeat adjustments and care. Doing so will help you live a headache free life that you deserve.