Headache Relief is Possible With Chiropractic

By Stepy Kamei

Headaches are the worst, aren't they? Maybe the only "good" thing about them is that we can all relate and understand. Headaches are one of the most common health ailments reported to healthcare professionals every year. For something so common, you'd think we'd have figured out foolproof ways prevent them from ever occurring. That hasn't happened yet, but there are many easy habits you can take on in order to prevent or diminish the frequency of headaches. In addition to making simple lifestyle changes, adding chiropractic care into your health and wellness routine can make a noticeable difference in the amount of headaches you experience.

Improving Your Lifestyle

If you experience a headache on occasion, you may be able to chalk it up to dehydration or stress, drink some water, and feel it lift away soon after. However, if you're experiencing many headaches or even migraines on a regular basis, you may want to consider looking at your current lifestyle and changing things up. For instance, eating foods which are highly processed, or have large amounts of salt and sugar, can cause inflammation and swelling which leads to aches and pains in the head and even the entire body. Not drinking enough water can also have a similar effect, so be sure to keep a refillable water bottle with you everywhere you go. You can even have one in your purse and one on your desk so you remember to drink water.

Stress is another common cause of tension headaches, so be sure you pick up some healthy coping mechanisms to alleviate stress and anxiety. To get you started on ideas, many people find relief from artistic expression, listening to music, meditation, or exercise.

Making Chiropractic Care a Priority

In addition to the previous lifestyle changes, there's one thing you should consider adding to your health and wellness plan -- a trip to the chiropractor. Your headaches may also be caused by restrictions in the spinal column, which can be brought about by stress, muscle strain, or everyday wear and tear. These restrictions, commonly called misalignments, can interrupt the central nervous system, promote inflammation, and ultimately lead to aches and pains throughout the body -- including the head. Our chiropractors will use manual manipulation techniques to remove these restrictions. This often reduces the frequency of headaches.

Of course, you should consult with your primary caregiver to make sure your headaches aren't a symptom of something more serious.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fitchburg, Wis.