Chiropractic

Can Chiropractic Care Help Headaches?

     I have had many chiropractic patients in the Mandeville and Covington areas who have come to me for relief of their headaches, so I get this question a lot.  The answer I usually give is that it depends, but the chances are good that chiropractic care can help.  The most common cause of chronic, recurring headaches is upper neck dysfunction.  These types of headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches, meaning that the headaches source originates in the neck.  It has been estimated that 80% of chronic headaches fall into this category, so you can see how chiropractic care would be a really good choice for treatment.  Other types of headaches also respond chiropractic, which addresses the structure an function of the cervical spine. This is because the cervicogenic headache can trigger other types of headaches such as migraines or tension headaches.  Self treating with over the counter medications has been shown to actually increase the frequency and duration of headaches long-term.  Isn't it ironic that the very medication that people take for their headaches actually makes their problem worse in the long run?  A Duke University study in 2001 concluded "Manipulation appeared to result in immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic control...a course of manipulation treatments resulted in sustained improvement in headache frequency and severity."   What this means is that chiropractic care results in long term improvement with less headaches and less severe headaches.  If you are suffering from chronic headaches then this is some really good news!  If you are a patient who has recurrent headaches and the medications do not offer any long-term relief, then you should see a good chiropractor in your area.