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Kids and Chiropractic: How to Manage Headaches

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Sara Butler

Kids-and-Chiropractic-How-to-Manage-Headaches

Kids are tough, scrappy, and known for their resilience. Fall, get up. Have an owie, and get Mom to kiss it to make it better. What would sideline an adult for days might barely slow down most kids. But just because a child is quick to recover doesn’t mean they can’t suffer from a headache that stops many people in their tracks.

If your child suffers from headaches, you know their impact on your little tiger. But did you know that chiropractic care for children can be an effective, holistic treatment to help them? There are several types of headaches that kids can suffer from—as well as causes behind them—that may be resolved by the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.

Help can sometimes be found in the unlikeliest places; you must know where to look.

What are the common types of headaches in children?

Headaches in children are quite common and can range from mild and temporary to more severe and chronic. There are several common types of headaches that children can experience.

Tension headaches: These headaches cause constant, dull tightness or pressure around the head. They typically do not cause vomiting or nausea and are mild to moderate in intensity. They can be caused by anxiety, stress, poor posture, or fatigue, as well as long periods of reading or in front of a screen.

Migraine headaches: Migraines cause pounding or throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. They can also cause a sensitivity to lights, smells, and sound. They often cause dizziness, vomiting, or nausea; some kids may have visual disturbances or tingling sensations at the onset. Common headache triggers for migraines include foods, hormonal changes, dehydration, stress, or irregular sleep.

Cluster headaches: The hallmark of this headache is an intense burst of stabbing pain on one side of the head or around one eye. They often occur in clusters around the same time each day and can also cause congestion, teary eyes, or even a droopy eyelid. It’s thought that cluster headaches are triggered by stress or seasonal changes, though these headaches are not common in kids.

Sinus headaches: Anyone who has suffered from hay fever knows all about sinus headaches. They cause pressure or pain in the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes and are often accompanied by a runny nose or congestion. Allergies, colds, or sinus infections often trigger these headaches.

Rebound headaches: Rebound headaches occur due to an overuse of pain medication, causing a throbbing or dull pain. Anyone who regularly uses over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is at risk of developing this type of headache.

Exertional headaches: If you have an active child, they may be susceptible to this kind of headache. It causes pain in the head triggered by exertion, such as playing sports or running. It is initiated by increased blood flow to the brain.

Secondary headaches: These headaches can cause various symptoms resulting from an underlying condition, such as vision problems, injuries, or an infection.

There are a lot of headaches out there that can ruin a good time.

How are headaches in children different from adults?

Headaches in children differ from those in adults, including their presentation, triggers, and impact. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Children's headaches, especially migraines, tend to be shorter. A migraine in a child might last 1 to 2 hours, while in adults, it can last 4 to 72 hours.

Children often experience headaches on both sides of the head, though adults with headaches more commonly report one-sided pain. The pain in children is usually less intense than in adults, making it harder to diagnose in younger children who may not fully articulate their symptoms.

Young patients also have different triggers for headaches. Hormonal changes during puberty significantly increase the frequency and severity of headaches in adolescents, especially in girls, due to hormonal fluctuations.

Lifestyle triggers are also different for kids. A headache in a child is more likely to be triggered by dehydration, irregular sleep, stress related to school or family, or too much screen time. In adults, headaches often involve triggers such as certain foods, alcohol, or work-related stress.

Headaches also have accompanying symptoms that differ in kids. Children are more likely to have vomiting or nausea with a headache than adults. Younger kids may also become lethargic, clingy, or irritable instead of describing the pain they feel.

These differences are precisely why it can be more difficult to diagnose headaches in children—adults may not pick up on the difference in how a headache presents itself in a kid. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the expertise of your chiropractor.

How can chiropractic care help with headaches in children?

Chiropractic care can help with headaches in children in many ways.

Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can pressure nerves and lead to headaches. Spinal adjustments are gentle, age-appropriate manipulations to correct these misalignments and relieve nerve pressure.

Chiropractors may also use massage therapy and trigger point therapy to relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to headaches. Poor posture can also trigger headaches because it strains the neck and back muscles, causing back and neck pain. Chiropractors can teach children (or their parents) exercises to improve their posture.

How do chiropractic adjustments help alleviate tension headaches in kids?

Chiropractic adjustments may help alleviate tension headaches in children by addressing underlying factors contributing to muscle tension, poor posture, and nervous system function.

Tension headaches are often the result of tight muscles in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the joints' mobility in the neck, release the tension in the surrounding muscles, and help restore balance to groups of muscles that can be overworked due to stress or poor posture.

Another way chiropractic care can help with tension headaches in kids is by improving spinal alignment. When a subluxation causes joint dysfunction, pressure is put on the nerves, and movement can be restricted, which may contribute to tension headaches.

Hands-on spinal adjustments by the chiropractor seek to remove these dysfunctions, reducing stress on the neck and head and promoting better communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Kids are also well known for their poor posture, as their mom or grandma constantly reminds many. Chiropractors can help kids enhance their posture by correcting muscle imbalances and teaching kids exercises to keep muscle groups balanced and strong to support better posture.

Stress relief is another key to keeping headaches at bay. Chiropractic care can help to relax the body and reduce muscle tightness related to stress. Plus, a better range of motion from more flexible joints can help reduce stiffness and discomfort that often lead to headaches.

What specific chiropractic techniques are used for children with headaches?

Some specific chiropractic techniques may be used for children with headaches. Chiropractors are trained to understand what type of treatment is best for each patient, so not every technique will be used—only those the chiropractor believes will be the most effective.

Spinal adjustments are gentle manipulations used to correct misalignments and relieve nerve pressure. There are several different techniques that chiropractors may use to perform spinal adjustments.

Diversified technique: This hands-on technique involves using various thrusting and non-thrusting adjustments to correct spinal misalignments.

Activator methods: This technique uses a handheld instrument called an Activator to deliver low-force adjustments to the spine.

Thompson technique: This technique uses a drop table to deliver high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to the spine.

Muscle relaxation techniques: Chiropractors may use techniques such as massage therapy and trigger point therapy to relax tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to headaches.

It’s important to remember that an adjustment for a child isn’t the same as an adjustment for an adult; the chiropractor will use age- or size-appropriate force regardless of the patient, whether it’s a newborn or someone in their 80s.

How safe is chiropractic care for children with headaches?

A qualified and experienced chiropractor generally considers chiropractic care safe for children.

While all chiropractors can treat children, you may be surprised to learn that some chiropractors take additional coursework in this area. There are different certifications that chiropractors may obtain, which reflect their increased knowledge of caring for little ones. Depending on your child’s needs, they may benefit from seeking care from a chiropractor with one of these additional certifications.

You should also ask the chiropractor about their specific techniques and how they will be adapted for your child's age and size. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

How does chiropractic care promote rest and relaxation for kids?

Chiropractic care can promote rest and relaxation for kids in several ways.

Reduced physical discomfort - Chiropractic adjustments may help relieve physical discomfort caused by misalignments in the spine or other joints. This reduction in pain can lead to better sleep and overall relaxation.

Improved nervous system function - Adjustments from the chiropractor may help optimize the nervous system's function, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep patterns and promoting relaxation.

Reduced stress - Chiropractic care may help reduce stress levels by improving the body's ability to cope with physical and emotional stressors. This can lead to better sleep and overall relaxation.

Enhanced muscle relaxation - Chiropractic techniques, such as massage therapy and trigger point therapy, could help relax tight muscles, which can contribute to restlessness and difficulty sleeping.

Improved posture - Poor posture can lead to muscle tension and discomfort, interfering with sleep. Chiropractic care may help improve posture, reduce these issues, and promote better sleep.

By addressing these underlying factors, chiropractic care could help create a more relaxed and restful environment for children, improving sleep quality and overall well-being.

How does chiropractic care address posture and its role in preventing headaches?

Poor posture is a common culprit behind headaches, especially in children and adolescents. When the spine is misaligned—technically, the bones and joints have restricted movement but are commonly referred to as misaligned—it could lead to muscle tension, nerve irritation, and increased stress on the body. Chiropractic care seeks to address these issues and promote better posture, ultimately reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Chiropractic care looks to help by correcting misalignments of the spine, relieving muscle tension, and reducing muscle tension. Chiropractors also love to educate their patients, so awareness of postural issues and their correction is an important part of a chiropractic treatment plan. Targeted exercises can be done to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, which could help maintain better posture and prevent misalignments in the future.

By addressing these factors, chiropractic care might help children develop and maintain healthy posture, reducing their risk of experiencing headaches and other musculoskeletal problems.

What are the long-term benefits of chiropractic care for kids with headaches?

Chiropractic care may offer significant long-term benefits for children struggling with headaches. There are several potential long-term advantages to consider.

Regular chiropractic adjustments seek to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches over time. Chiropractic care may significantly improve a child's quality of life by addressing underlying spinal misalignments and muscle tension.

By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care could help children develop and maintain good posture. This, in turn, could reduce strain on the neck and back muscles, leading to fewer headaches and improved overall physical health.

Chiropractic adjustments could help optimize the function of the nervous system. A well-functioning nervous system may improve the body's ability to regulate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall health.

By decreasing discomfort and pain, care from the chiropractor may even help children sleep better, leading to increased energy levels, improved mood, and better overall health.

Regular chiropractic care may reduce the need for over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage headaches, minimizing potential side effects and promoting a more natural approach to pain management.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of chiropractic care for your child if they suffer from headaches is the tools they can provide you to help prevent headaches. Don’t forget that lifestyle changes suggested by your chiropractor could have a huge impact on headache frequency for your child. Some of those lifestyle changes make good sense.

Encourage regular sleep: Children need plenty of sleep to stay healthy and prevent headaches.

Promote healthy eating: A balanced diet can help prevent headaches.

Manage stress: Help your child find healthy ways to manage stress, such as physical activity, relaxation techniques, or talking to a trusted adult.

Limit screen time: Too much time in front of a screen can contribute to headaches. Investing in blue light glasses for kids to help reduce eye strain when using screens is also a good idea.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration, even mild dehydration, can trigger headaches, so encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.

Chiropractic care is just one tool in the tool belt. Parents need to support their children as they grow, especially for kids with specific challenges like headaches. Improved overall health will lead to healthier and happier kids and parents!

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