Headaches and back pain are both very common ailments. However, these conditions usually aren't seen as linked. This lack of understanding can impede proper diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent a person from living a healthy, pain-free life. Here's a helpful guide to headaches and back pain so that you can be in the know about your health. 

How Are Headaches and Back Pain Connected?

Your spine supports the neck, which, in turn, supports your head. Injuries in the back or neck can spread and affect the vertebrae, muscles, and surrounding tissue, which can pull at or put pressure on the nerves that are connected to your head. When these nerves are disturbed, pain receptors start firing off, causing a headache after back pain is already present. Whiplash, a pinched nerve, spinal stenosis, inflammation, and a dislocated disc can be linked to headaches. 

What Are Some of the Overlapping Symptoms? 

If you have a headache while also experiencing back pain, then these are considered overlapping or comorbid symptoms. More distinctly, you might experience a stiff neck; isolated pain in one part of the head; difficulty or discomfort while looking at something or turning your neck; and throbbing, intense discomfort in your back, neck, and head. 

What Treatments Are Available?

The available treatments vary depending on the origin of the issue and the diagnosis given by your chiropractor. If the pain has resulted from an injury, any treatment will begin in combination with your pain management plan decided by your medical team. If the pain is chronic or has otherwise been ongoing, a chiropractor will complete an assessment to determine which stretches, exercises, and other adjustments are most beneficial considering your condition. 

When you need help treating chronic back pain and headaches, contact Walch Chiropractic Center in Leeds, AL. These chiropractors have more than 25 years of experience treating injuries throughout the Tri-State area. They are dedicated to long-term healing and provide each patient with a personalized care plan for maximum efficacy. Visit the website to learn more about their services. Call (205) 699-4433 to schedule an appointment.