Chronic headaches can be a frustrating and exhausting condition. According to statistics, approximately 45 million Americans complain about chronic headaches each year, and these numbers are growing.
While some treatments, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications, can offer some immediate headache relief, they also have potential side effects, do not always address the root cause of the problem, and do not eliminate headache triggers, which means the headache pain will likely return.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free practice that focuses on restoring proper function to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, relieving pain and discomfort in the process. As per the American Chiropractic Association, spinal manipulation therapy is an effective treatment to help reduce and address headaches for many sufferers. In this guide, we cover the types of headaches chiropractic care can help with, the causes it addresses, the techniques used, and what to expect from treatment.
How Headaches Affect Your Daily Life
Headaches are a common condition that can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Depending on the type and severity, they can cause discomfort, dull ache, sharp pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that interfere with your ability to accomplish tasks.
- Productivity: A chronic headache can make it difficult to focus on work, chores, schoolwork, and other tasks. The pain diverts your focus and makes you less productive.
- Social Life: Frequent headaches can make it challenging to enjoy social activities and hobbies. They can ruin your mood, prevent you from engaging in social interactions, or force you to cancel plans.
- Mood: Chronic headaches can lead to fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression, all of which make it difficult to maintain a positive state.
- Sleep: Headaches can make falling or staying asleep difficult and lead to several kinds of sleep disorders. Lack of sleep combined with chronic headaches can result in additional mental and physical health issues.
The worst part about chronic headaches is that the situation can worsen if the underlying causes are not addressed correctly and in a timely manner.
Types of Headaches Chiropractic Care Can Help With
There are several types of headaches, each with different symptoms. Understanding what type you are experiencing is important to determining the right treatment approach.
1. Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are often characterized by an intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Some people experience an aura as a warning before the onset of a migraine. Common symptoms of a migraine attack include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, partial loss of vision, muscle weakness, and pain in the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord. Migraine headaches are more common in people with a family history of conditions such as epilepsy and depression.
2. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches trigger a steady pain along a band around the head, with no other symptoms typically present. They are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress. Muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders is a frequent contributing factor.
3. Cervicogenic Headaches
A cervicogenic headache is brought on by muscle tension in the neck. It presents as a steady, dull ache that increases in intensity and can affect parts of the neck, face, and skull. Family history can be a cause of cervicogenic headaches, while stress and neck stiffness or spinal misalignment are other common contributors.
4. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches cause frequent bursts of recurring pain at random intervals rather than continuous pain. The pain is usually focused in or around one eye, with tearing and redness of the eye, a runny or blocked nose, and possibly a droopy eyelid. Cluster headaches kick in suddenly without warning and can be episodic or chronic. Episodic cluster headaches may occur for a few days up to a year, with remission periods of over three months. Chronic cluster headaches may occur for multiple years with remission periods of less than three months.
5. Hypnic Headaches
Commonly known as “alarm clock headaches,” hypnic headaches wake people up at night and prevent them from falling back asleep. This is a rare condition that usually begins in people in their 50s or older, though it can start sooner. A hypnic headache starts with mild pain that may develop into throbbing pain on both sides of the head, lasting up to four hours after waking.
6. Exertional Headaches
Exertional headaches are triggered by running, jumping, weightlifting, and other strenuous physical movements. Unlike other types, they are usually short-lived, though in extreme cases they can last up to 48 hours. The pain starts at the back of the head and spreads in a pattern similar to a migraine.
7. Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches emerge with sinusitis or inflammation of the sinuses, typically stemming from an allergy or infection. The pain starts as a dull ache and develops into throbbing pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. It may worsen with straining or movement and can spread to the jaw and teeth. Other symptoms include fatigue, facial pressure, reduced sense of smell, ear pain, nasal discharge, and cough.
8. Head-Injury Headaches
A person may develop a headache after a head, neck, or back injury. Besides pain, symptoms can include vomiting, memory loss, and confusion. These headaches sometimes do not develop until weeks or months after the initial injury, making them difficult to diagnose. Pain can occur daily and persist for up to 12 months depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Common Causes of Headaches That Chiropractic Care Can Address
Headaches are not just a result of tension and stress. Several physical contributors can cause pain, and holistic chiropractic care in Oak Brook aims to alleviate all types of issues contributing to frequent headaches.
1. Tension in the Neck and Shoulders
When the muscles in the neck and upper back become sore and tight, the pain travels to the head and spreads across the skull. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy to reduce tension and alleviate pain. In some patients, muscle tension is the result of a trigger point, and a chiropractor may use trigger point therapy to decrease the tension and relieve headache pain.
2. Poor Posture
Poor posture puts strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back, leading to headaches. Chiropractic care in Oak Brook includes advice on proper ergonomics and posture, along with techniques to address underlying musculoskeletal issues contributing to the problem.
3. Inflammation in the Body
Inflammation in the neck and upper back can cause pain and stiffness that leads to headaches. Spinal adjustments restore proper alignment to the spine and reduce pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that run through it. Soft tissue therapy can also improve circulation and promote the flow of nutrients and oxygen to affected areas, reducing inflammation and headache pain.
4. Spinal Misalignment (Subluxation)
When the vertebrae in the spine become misaligned, it puts tension and pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, leading to pain in the neck and head. Chiropractic adjustments apply controlled force to the vertebrae to restore proper alignment and improve mobility. Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent future misalignments and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
5. Sinusitis
Sinusitis can cause facial pain and pressure around the skull. Problems with the spine and pressure on nerves from poor posture can be contributors. Chiropractic care helps treat sinus headaches by correcting spinal misalignments to improve nervous system function, and by using soft tissue therapy to release tension in the muscles around the sinuses.
Note: Chiropractic care may not treat severe sinusitis, but it is a non-invasive approach to managing symptoms and improving overall health.
6. Injuries
Post-traumatic headaches are common and can be severe, often related to damage to nerves, blood vessels, or muscles in the head and neck. Chiropractors address many potential causes using soft tissue therapy, trigger point therapy, and physical therapy to release tension in the head and neck muscles. If your headaches developed after an accident, see our guide on chiropractic treatment for whiplash.
Chiropractic Techniques Used to Treat Headaches
Depending on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the headache, chiropractors use individual techniques or a combination of approaches.
1. Spinal Manipulation
Used for almost all types of headaches related to the spine. A chiropractor applies a high-velocity, low-amplitude force to adjust the spinal column, improve its alignment, and relieve pressure on nerves that may be contributing to headaches. Spinal manipulation, when done correctly, helps treat migraine patients and reduces the likelihood of recurring headache pain.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors use physical massage, trigger point therapy, or stretching to relieve tension in the head and neck muscles. Soft tissue therapy is effective for treating headaches and improving overall health.
3. Cranial Techniques
For headaches caused by traumatic injuries, chiropractors use gentle adjustments to the muscles around the skull and neck to improve circulation and relieve tension. These techniques are especially helpful for patients with post-traumatic and tension headaches.
4. Activator Technique
When the severity of spinal misalignment or muscle tension does not allow for high-velocity thrust, a chiropractor uses a handheld instrument to deliver a low-force impulse to a specific area of the spine. This alleviates pressure on the nerves, improves signal transmission, and reduces pain.
5. Upper Cervical Specific Techniques
When the pain originates from a problem in the upper cervical spine, specific techniques are used to eliminate muscle tension in that area. These can be combined with trigger point therapy and massage for better results.
Related Read: What can I expect from a Trigger Point Injection
The Benefits of Natural Headache Treatment Through Chiropractic Care
Over-the-counter, prescription, and preventive medications may offer quicker results, but chiropractic care is the better choice in the long run. The benefits are not limited to natural pain management. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying causes of frequent headaches without the side effects that come with medication.
- Non-invasive: There is zero downtime. You do not have to undergo surgery or take addictive prescription medications to manage your symptoms.
- Holistic approach: Chiropractors in Oak Brook treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. After a few sessions, patients typically begin experiencing a reduction in headaches alongside an improvement in overall well-being. Our chiropractors work with nurses, physical therapists, massage therapists, and other experts to create a holistic approach to getting optimal results.
- Highly personalized: Chiropractors assess the cause of your headaches and your personal medical history to tailor a plan specifically for you. The personalized plan works better because it addresses the underlying cause and factors in anything specific to your situation.
- No medication side effects: Chiropractic care does not involve prescription medications, which means fewer side effects and complications for patients choosing it to treat migraines or other headache types.
What the Research Says: Statistics on Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of chiropractic care for headaches. Here are a few key findings:
- According to one research survey, chiropractors who are headache specialists reported that 1 in 5 new patients came in with a main complaint of headache. The majority of these chiropractors provide headache diagnosis and treatment for common primary and secondary headaches using formal headache classification criteria.
- In a small abstract study, researchers conducted multiple tests on three patients with varying causes of migraine attacks. The study revealed that patients reported an improvement in pain scores, decreased medication usage, and decreased anxiety after several sessions with chiropractors.
- A larger study published in The Spine Journal evaluated 256 adults with cervicogenic headaches. Eighteen sessions of spinal manipulation therapy helped reduce cervicogenic headache days by half. Additionally, spinal manipulation was more effective than light-massage control in alleviating symptoms.
- A descriptive analysis of a nationally representative survey found that chiropractors provided successful headache diagnoses for common primary headaches in 84.6% of cases and secondary headaches in 90.4% of cases.
How to Prepare for Your Chiropractic Appointment
If you have decided to see a chiropractor for acute or chronic headaches, here are some tips to help you prepare.
- Fill out intake forms: Many chiropractors provide intake forms for new patients before their appointment. Fill them out thoroughly and accurately, including your medical history, current symptoms, and any medications you are taking.
- Avoid taking pain medication beforehand: It is generally recommended that you avoid taking pain medication before your chiropractic appointment, as it can mask symptoms and make it more difficult for the chiropractor to assess your condition.
- Bring a list of questions: Write down any questions or concerns about chiropractic care and bring them with you to your appointment so that all of your questions are answered and you are fully informed about your diagnosis and treatment options.
- Be honest about your symptoms: When you meet with the chiropractor, be honest about all your symptoms, even those that seem unrelated to your headaches. Chiropractors are trained to look for underlying causes that may be related to other parts of the body.
- Have realistic expectations: Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, holistic approach to treating headaches. While many patients find relief, it is important to understand that it may take several appointments to see improvement.
- Prepare to discuss your lifestyle: Chiropractors consider lifestyle factors that may be contributing to headaches, such as stress, diet, and sleep habits. Be prepared to discuss these factors and be open to making changes to improve your overall health.
Final Thoughts
Headaches are rarely just a surface-level issue, they often signal underlying tension, misalignment, or nerve irritation that benefits from targeted treatment rather than symptom management alone. Chiropractic care offers a structured, non-medication approach to addressing the root causes of tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches, with treatment plans tailored to individual presentation and history.
For those exploring chiropractic as an option, understanding the type of headache and its likely origin is a useful first step, and one that shapes how effectively any treatment approach, chiropractic or otherwise, can deliver lasting relief.
FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic care is an established treatment approach for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, and may help reduce migraine frequency in some patients. Your chiropractor will evaluate your headache type and determine whether spinal manipulation and related therapies are appropriate for your situation.
What chiropractic techniques are used to treat headaches?
The most common techniques include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, cranial techniques, the activator technique, and upper cervical specific techniques. The approach depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of your headaches.
How many sessions are needed to see results?
This varies depending on the type, duration, and severity of your headaches. Some patients notice improvement after a few sessions. Others with chronic or complex presentations require a longer course of care. Your chiropractor will provide a recommended plan after your initial evaluation and reassess regularly.
Is chiropractic care safe for headaches?
For most patients, chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment option. Your chiropractor will review your health history and any contraindications before beginning care. If you are under medical care for neurological conditions, inform both your medical provider and chiropractor before starting treatment.
Can poor posture cause headaches?
Yes. Forward head posture and prolonged desk or screen use place abnormal load on the cervical spine, contributing to recurring headaches. Chiropractic care addresses both the spinal dysfunction and the postural habits involved.
How is chiropractic treatment different from pain medication?
Pain medication manages headache symptoms at the point of onset but does not address the mechanical causes driving them. Chiropractic care aims to correct spinal dysfunction, reduce muscle tension, and improve postural alignment to reduce headache frequency and severity over time, rather than masking symptoms as they occur.
