Headaches are a regular occurrence for many Americans. Whether they’re frequent or rare, dull or throbbing, it’s estimated that 9 out of 10 individuals suffer from them.
When you’re faced with a headache, what do you do? Do you take action? Take a pill? Try to drown out the world in a dark room? There could be a better option.
Spinal manipulation by a doctor of chiropractic medicine may be an effective way to treat and prevent headaches.
An Overview
95% of headaches are primary headaches, not a result of another underlying condition. These include migraines, tension and cluster headaches. They cause pain and can reduce the quality of life and the ability to get through daily activities.
Furthermore, many headaches are associated with tension in the neck or a poorly aligned spine. Whether caused by sitting for prolonged periods of time, poor posture or an underlying issue, joint irritation and muscle tension can lead to headaches.
Dealing With and Preventing Headaches
When faced with a headache, how do you respond?
To prevent headaches, take the time to move every 30 minutes, get up from a desk and stretch, walk around and move your head. This can prevent many headaches. Additionally, regular exercise can prevent headaches and light exercise can relieve certain headaches.
Avoid clenching your teeth and other physical manifestations of stress and drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Proper exercise, solid nutrition and an active lifestyle can go a long way in preventing headaches.
The Chiropractic Link
It’s been shown that regular chiropractic care can decrease headache frequencies and overall quality of life. Here are a few reasons why:
- Chiropractors can perform spinal adjustments that improve functions and alleviate physical stress.
- They can provide nutritional advice and information on important vitamins for proper functioning.
- Chiropractors can offer tips for improving posture and various exercises to reduce stress and alleviate joint irritation that can lead to headaches.
If you’re interested in increasing your quality of life by decreasing headaches, contact Dr. Scott LeVan at LeVan Chiropractic today!