Why do I get frequent headaches?
To determine why you get frequent headaches, the first order of business is figuring out what type of headache is plaguing you. Typically, headaches are either primary, meaning they are the problem, unrelated to anything else, or secondary headaches that are a byproduct of another issue.
Primary headaches include:
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Cluster headaches
Secondary headaches are those brought on by things like:
- Dehydration
- Concussions
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
- Sinus infections
- Nutrition
In fact, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of conditions that can spur a secondary headache, and by addressing those conditions, you will likely resolve your headaches, too.
When it comes to primary headaches, there are several lifestyle factors that can be linked to their onset, such as:
- Misalignment in the spine due to poor posture
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Food allergens
- Exercise
- Genetic factors
Dr. Payne will work with you to find the source of your headaches and recommend a treatment plan to alleviate your head pain.
Can chiropractic adjustments help with migraine?
Frequently, yes. When you have vertebrae that are misaligned, muscles and nerves that go along your spine can become irritated. This misalignment may increase your chances of having chemical imbalances in your brain.
Chiropractic adjustments help realign your system. So if something is off or is pinching a nerve, your normal energy flow and nerve responses will be restored after an adjustment. For many migraine sufferers, getting chiropractic adjustments is a proven method of preventing migraines from occurring, or they may shorten the duration of a migraine episode.
What should I expect during a chiropractic session?
Dr. Payne will sit down with you and get a full medical history before putting together a migraine treatment plan. It’s common for migraine sufferers to have regular manual chiropractic adjustments in their treatment plans.
You might also benefit from myofascial therapy or comforting electromodalities, which both help heal soft tissues. Getting therapeutic massages can further heal soft tissues near your spine, while also releasing tension and stress that can aggravate migraine symptoms.
Because Dr. Payne is a wellness practitioner, he’ll likely also talk with you about your diet. Certain acidic foods, such as tomatoes and coffee, can increase your chances of experiencing a migraine. He’ll work with you to discover what triggers your migraines, so you know what to avoid to create a migraine free life.
Can migraines be helped long term?
Yes. Once Dr. Payne identifies the triggers that cause your headaches, he lays out a comprehensive treatment plan to resolve your issues. The goal of migraine treatment through chiropractic is to help your body heal. We don’t expect this to happen overnight but Dr. Payne will set a timeline for your specific results. Routine chiropractic adjustments and treatments help decrease negative stress on your system that leads to headaches.
