Can a chiropractor help me with my headaches?

It all depends on the type of headache and the root cause.  Chiropractors treat the vertebral subluxation complex (misaligned joints of the spine that affect your nervous system).  If your headache is the resulting symptom of a vertebral subluxation – and many headaches are – then you will most likely get great results from chiropractic care.

According to the World Health Organization, it has been estimated that 47% of the adult population (globally) have had a headache at least once within last year in general.  Furthermore, about 30% to 80% percent of the adult U.S. population suffers from occasional tension headaches.  Chronic daily tension headaches affect approximately 3% of the population. (source: theclevelandclinic.org)  Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension-type headaches as men.  Needless to say, headaches have become a social and economic burden in the United States, as well as other parts of the world.

Scientists have identified over 300 causes for headaches.

Various pain-sensitive structures and tissues including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, arteries, periosteal bone covering, and the upper cervical and facial nerves produce headaches when irritated or injured. Fortunately, only a handful of causes are responsible for the majority of headaches.

This might seem like a lot to worry about when it comes to finding relief from your headaches.  The good news is that there are 6 very common signs that your headache might be coming from your neck.

1.  Your headaches get worse with stress.

2.  You have muscle tension at the base of your skull.

3.  Your headaches get worse when you are sitting at your computer.

4.  You also get pain in your lower neck or in between your shoulder blades.

5.  Your neck feels like it needs to “Pop.”

6.  Your headaches feel better after you stretch your neck.

Do you identify with any of these signs?  If so, don’t suffer with headaches when you don’t have to.  Dr. Uhlmansiek, D.C. has had great success with helping many of his patients find fast and effective relief from headaches.  Call our office today to schedule your consultation to find out if chiropractic care can help you too!