Chiropractic Treatment For Headaches

By Don Grant Rebel


In the United States, a chiropractor is the healthcare professional who is most likely to manipulate the spine in a process called an adjustment. Most people associate chiropractors with back pain. However, chiropractic treatment can be used to care for many other ailments including headaches. More than 14,000 consumers surveyed regarding their satisfaction with healthcare providers rated chiropractic treatment their top choice, as reported in the May 2009 Consumer Reports.

Chiropractic manipulation to the upper bones of the neck, call vertebrae, can relieve irritated joints and nerves that may be the cause headaches. Chiropractic has been shown to be even more effective than other more well-known headache treatments. A research study of patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches, which means the pain comes from the upper area of the cervical spine, revealed greater improvement resulting from chiropractic treatment than from light massage therapy. This study, published in The Spine Journal in February 2010 is one of a number indicating the efficacy of chiropractic for treatment of headaches.

Another study that involved patients with tension headaches was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. One group took medication, the other had chiropractic care, and after a six-week period of treatment, both groups reported less intense and less frequent headaches. However, 82 percent of the patients having chiropractic treatment reported fewer side effects. Additionally, the chiropractic patients reported sustained relief after the study concluded. The patients in the medication group reported that their headache pain returned.

Since they have never had reason to visit a chiropractor, some people are not familiar with chiropractic treatment and may be hesitant to use it. There is no need for concern because a chiropractor must participate in an extensive period of intense education in order to practice professionally. Patients will not hesitate to make a recommendation or testimonial for a good chiropractor. They are living pain-free lives thanks to this treatment and they are happy to discuss the results.

For people who prefer to avoid medication, chiropractic is a suitable alternative. Drugs only mask the symptoms of a headache while chiropractic treats the cause. After conducting several tests, the chiropractor will isolate the cause and discuss recommended adjustment techniques designed to provide relief. Treatments are non-invasive and administered in a private room in the chiropractic office. Many insurance plans cover chiropractic treatment, allowing headache sufferers to get relief without financial stress.

The best chiropractors do more than just administer spinal manipulations. They also recommend lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of developing a headache in the future. Stress, posture, activities, and even diet can contribute to this medical issue. By following the advice of a chiropractor, a patient may begin feeling better very quickly and be able to maintain the results through recommended practices.

By changing certain points within the spinal alignment, chiropractors can help patients suffering from headaches. This treatment is not painful and many patients report a release of pressure after receiving chiropractic treatment. As one popular type of treatment, chiropractic is worthy of some investigation by anyone suffering from headache pain who is ready for a permanent solution.




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