A Chiropractor might not be the first person you’d think to visit for a headache. Most of us just opt to pop a pill and carry on, but regular headaches can really take their toll on our quality of life. Chronic pain affects our ability to work, play and function – and can even lead to serious depression and anxiety. Perhaps surprisingly, seeing a Chiropractor can be immensely beneficial in the treatment of headaches. So, if you find yourself reaching for the painkillers again, why not reach for the phone instead and book yourself an appointment with one of New York’s best chiropractors?
Chiropractors can help heal your headaches by looking at the root cause of your pain. Here’s how:
Tension
You’ve probably heard of tension headaches, and they’re caused by exactly that: tension in the neck and shoulders. We all lead busy lives here in Manhattan, and while it’s super exciting to be in the midst of all the action, stress and tension is translated directly into our bodies if we’re not careful. Mental stress becomes physical pain, sometimes on a daily basis. Chiropractors can identify the areas where you are carrying tension and apply soft tissue massage to the affected muscles to release some of that build up and relieve your headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches
This specific kind of headache is caused by neck misalignments and stiffness in the upper cervical spine. The pain can be felt across your forehead, eyes, temples and even your ears. A Chiropractor can realign your neck and spine to ease the irritation of your nerve roots at the base of your neck. This can have a profoundly positive effect on your headaches. They can also suggest simple ways you can care for your headache at home, from applying ice and heat to your neck to investing in the right pillow to sleep on at night.
Posture
Many of us have to sit at a desk for work, often for hours at a time. This has a negative effect on our posture, however much we try and be aware of sitting up straight. Computer use, checking your phone on the subway, and carrying heavy bags can all contribute to poor posture, which in turn can lead to crippling headaches. Chiropractors can offer posture advice and assessments, gently realigning your body into a healthier posture. They can even help you make adjustments to your work space to improve your posture, such as lifting your screen higher and adjusting your chair to its optimum position. Small changes in posture can have a big impact on your body and your headaches.
Medical conditions
Rarely, headaches are caused by more serious medical conditions, from neurological problems to orthopaedic issues. While we always recommend you see a doctor for severe, persistent headaches, a Chiropractor can help test and identify some conditions. Your Chiropractor may order X-rays or conduct neurological tests to help you figure out what’s really causing your headaches.
So, don’t suffer on in silence any more – try seeing a Chiropractor for your headaches sooner rather than later.