Almost everyone gets headaches occasionally. Meanwhile, 5% of the population experiences them nearly every day. Many people with chronic headaches turn to chiropractic for pain relief. If you fit into this group, find out how a chiropractor may be able to help you.

Headache Types

Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and move up to the head, often affecting one side. They may also cause shoulder or arm pain. They’re often caused by an injury or an underlying problem with the neck.

Migraines produce a severe throbbing pain and can be accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Tension headaches develop because of muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or head.

Most headaches aren’t signs of serious conditions but may signal that your spinal alignment is off. Other headache triggers include lack of sleep, poor posture, stress, noises, or light. 

How a Chiropractor Can Provide Pain Relief from Headaches

If you experience regular headaches, your doctor may refer you to a chiropractor, or you might seek one out on your own. One study has found that chiropractic care, including spinal adjustment, can help people with migraine and cervicogenic headaches. Other research suggests that spinal manipulation on people with headaches produces better results than no treatment at all.

When you see a chiropractor for headaches, they will first complete a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. They’re primarily interested in treating the source of the headache, which may come from your nerves, muscles, or bones.

After adjustments, some patients experience immediate pain relief, while others improve over time. Trying out chiropractic care is a good step to take before you start taking pain killers or other medications.

Ready to try chiropractic for headache pain relief? Head to North Pole Chiropractic. Dr. Jack Harrison, D.C., specializes in natural healing and addressing spine misalignments. He’ll create a custom treatment plan after a preliminary evaluation and learning the history of your pain. Visit the Alaskan clinic’s website or call (907) 488-1885 to make an appointment.