Headaches range from mild and minor to severe and serious. A headache that comes on suddenly

and that you would describe as the worst headache of your life should be considered a medical emergency, and is not covered here.

According to the World Health Organization, headache is one of the most common and disabling disorders.  It is estimated that 50% of adults experience headaches at least once a year.  Headache pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the head or neck, tension, stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep. Chiropractic treatment for headaches is an alternative and complementary therapy that can help relieve headaches by addressing the root cause of the problem.

The Three Most Common Types of Headaches

Headaches can be classified into various types, but the three most common types are tension-type headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.

Tension-type Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, affecting about 80% of adults in the United States. Tension headaches are often described as a dull, achy pain that feels like a tight band around the head.

Causes

The exact cause of tension-type headaches varies, but they can be triggered by muscle tension, stress, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, poor posture, and dehydration.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Dull, achy pain around the forehead and temples
• A tight band-like sensation around the head
• Mild to moderate pain
• Tenderness around the scalp, neck, and shoulders

 Chiropractic Treatment Options

 Chiropractic treatment for tension headaches may include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Posture correction
• Lifestyle modifications
• Nutritional counseling

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are a type of headache that affects approximately 12% of the US population. Migraine headaches are often described as a throbbing pain on one side of the head and are commonly associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Causes

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause moderate to severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The exact cause of migraine headaches is still not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to the development of migraines, including genetics, environmental factors, and changes in brain chemistry.

One of the most widely accepted theories regarding the cause of migraines is that they are triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to changes in the brain’s chemical and electrical signals. According to a study published in the journal Headache, genetic factors may account for up to 50% of the risk for migraine headaches¹.

Other studies have found that changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, may also contribute to the development of migraines. For example, a study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain found that people with migraines had lower levels of serotonin in their brains during a migraine attack².

Environmental factors may also play a role in triggering migraines. Certain foods, such as chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, have been linked to an increased risk of migraines in some people. Additionally, changes in sleep patterns, stress levels, and hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, have been associated with an increased risk of migraines³.

Symptoms

The symptoms of migraine headaches include:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or zigzagging lines

Chiropractic Treatment Options

Chiropractic treatment for migraines may include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Soft tissue therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise recommendations

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are a rare but severe type of headache that affects about 0.1% of the population. They are often described as a stabbing pain on one side of the head and occur in clusters, meaning that they can happen several times a day for weeks or months at a time, followed by periods of remission.

Causes

The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they are believed to be related to the hypothalamus, a small area in the brain that controls the body’s natural rhythms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cluster headaches include:

• Severe, stabbing pain on one side of the head
• Eye redness and tearing
• Restlessness and agitation
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Chiropractic Treatment Options

Chiropractic treatment for cluster headaches may include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Nutritional counseling
• Exercise recommendations

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Manage and Prevent Headaches

Chiropractic care can help manage and prevent headaches by:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a chiropractic technique that involves applying controlled force to the spine to correct misalignments and improve spinal function. Spinal manipulation can help alleviate tension headaches and migraines.

Lifestyle and Activity Modifications

Chiropractors can provide recommendations on lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction techniques, exercise, and proper nutrition, to help prevent headaches from occurring.

Nutritional Counseling

Nutritional counseling can help people identify and avoid trigger foods that may be causing their headaches.

Exercise Recommendations

Exercise can help improve circulation, reduce stress, and prevent tension headaches. Chiropractors can provide recommendations on specific exercises to help alleviate headaches.

Conclusion

Headaches can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free option that can help alleviate headaches by addressing the underlying cause of the problem. Tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches are the three most common types of headaches, and chiropractic care can provide effective treatment options for each of them.

FAQs

Is chiropractic care safe for people experiencing headaches?

• Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe for people experiencing headaches.

Can chiropractic care cure headaches?

• Chiropractic care cannot cure headaches, but it can help alleviate symptoms and prevent headaches from occurring by addressing the cause of the headache symptoms.

How long does it take to see results from chiropractic care for headaches?

• The time it takes to see results from chiropractic care for headaches can vary depending on the type and severity of the headache and the individual’s response to treatment.  Some headache pain is alleviated with one treatment while other headaches can be prevented by regular care.  Unfortunately, not all headaches respond to treatment.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor for headaches?

• No, you do not need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a chiropractor for headaches.

Is chiropractic care for headaches covered by insurance?

• Chiropractic care for headaches is covered by most insurance plans.  Premier Care is in network with Providence, PacificSource, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna. We will verify your benefits prior to your initial visit.

References:

1. Russell MB. Is migraine a genetic disorder? J Headache Pain. 2011;12(1):1-8. doi:10.1007/s10194-010-0277-1
2. Akerman S, Holland PR, Goadsby PJ. Diencephalic and brainstem mechanisms in migraine. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2011;12(10):570-584. doi:10.1038/nrn3057
3. Dodick DW. Migraine. Lancet. 2018;391(10127):1315-1330. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30478-8