Headaches are a common issue that can disrupt daily life, from tension headaches to migraines. In fact, headaches are one of the top reasons why people seek care at BMC Family Chiropractic. According to the NIH, headaches are our most common form of pain and a major cause of missed work/school. While many people turn to medication for relief, chiropractic care offers a natural and conservative approach to managing and preventing headaches, especially those caused by subluxations.
Subluxations occur when the vertebrae in your spine become misaligned or restricted in movement, often leading to nerve irritation and muscle tension or excessive tightness. Our normal daily activities can lead to these subluxations. These activities include spending time on a computer, the way/position that we sleep or the biggest cause currently, the amount of time we spend looking (mostly down at) our smartphones. This muscle tension can radiate into the head, causing or worsening headaches. Chiropractors focus on identifying and correcting these misalignments, helping to restore proper spinal alignment and movement, which allows the nervous system to function properly.
Through precise spinal adjustments, chiropractors reduce pressure on the nerves, relieve muscle tension, and improve blood flow. This can significantly decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches, offering long-lasting relief. For many patients, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of their headaches rather than just masking the symptoms with painkillers. These adjustments can come in many forms. Part of our process is figuring out what is the best way to adjust the spine. There are many different techniques that we use to accomplish this and some techniques use little to no force. Not all adjustments look like the ones on TikTok.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may recommend lifestyle modifications to help prevent future headaches. This can include advice on posture, ergonomics, exercise, stress management, and nutrition. It is important to look at your normal daily activities to see where improvements can be made. If we aren’t correcting the activities that we perform for up to 8 hours today, an adjustment won’t help overcome that constant irritation.
Research supports chiropractic care as an effective treatment for tension headaches and migraines. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments can provide significant relief for chronic headache sufferers, especially when compared to traditional medical treatments[1]. Another study in The Journal of Headache and Pain found chiropractic adjustments to be as effective as prescription medication for the treatment of migraines[2]. And finally, a study in the British Medical Journal found that chiropractic adjustments may be helpful in the treatment of migraines[3].
If you suffer from frequent headaches and are looking for a natural alternative to medication, chiropractic care may be the solution. At BMC Family Chiropractic, we will perform a thorough exam, including x-rays, to evaluate whether you will be a good candidate for chiropractic care. By addressing subluxations and promoting overall spinal health, chiropractic treatment can help you enjoy a life with fewer headaches and improved well-being. Please reach out to our office at 303-284-7724 if you have any questions or would like to schedule your first appointment!
[1] Dose Response for Chiropractic Care of Chronic Cervicogenic Headache and Associated Neck Pain: A Randomized Pilot Study Haas, Mitchell et al. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 27, Issue 9, 547 – 553.
[2] Chaibi A, Tuchin PJ, Russell MB. Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 2011 Apr;12(2):127-33. doi: 10.1007/s10194-011-0296-6. Epub 2011 Feb 5. PMID: 21298314; PMCID: PMC3072494.
[3] Millstine D, Chen CY, Bauer B. Complementary and integrative medicine in the management of headache. BMJ. 2017 May 16;357:j1805. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j1805. PMID: 28512119.