Can chiropractic help with headaches?

Headaches are one of the more common ailments that affect people in today’s busy world. Even a mild headache can make it difficult to get through your day, while more frequent or painful headaches can be truly disruptive to your life. 

It is estimated that anywhere from 30% to 80% of the population suffers from occasional tension headaches, with women about twice as likely as men to experience them. Approximately 3% of the population experience chronic tension headaches, or headaches that happen more than once in a given 15-day period. 

At Kennedy Chiropractic, we are committed to helping individuals in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, and surrounding communities feel their best. While you have probably heard of chiropractic care as a solution to body aches and pains, you may be surprised to learn that regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate tension headaches. Read on to learn more and give Kennedy Chiropractic a call to schedule your adjustment today. 

What is a tension headache and what causes them? 

A tension headache, also known as a tension-type headache (TTH), is a mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling like a band is being squeezed tightly around the head. Those with a tension headache may also experience tenderness in the head and neck. A tension headache can last anywhere from an hour to several days and can be infrequent, happening less than twice in a 15 day period, or chronic.

In contrast to a migraine headache, a tension headache usually is not accompanied by symptoms like nausea and vomiting, though each person is different. It is possible to have both tension and migraine headaches and they can be difficult to tell apart. 

While the cause of tension headaches remains unknown, they are most likely triggered by stress. Too much caffeine or alcohol, lack of sleep, an unhealthy diet, and other poor health habits may contribute to an increase in tension headaches. 

How chiropractic can help alleviate tension headaches. 

While the cause of tension headaches remains unclear, headaches, in general, are considered a neurological disorder. The main goal of a chiropractic adjustment is the alignment of the spine, which is the main route connecting the body’s nervous system to the brain. Misalignment of the spine can have a negative effect on the ability of the brain and body to communicate, causing stress and, possibly, a tension headache. After a chiropractic adjustment brings the spine back into alignment, the nervous system can do its job of communicating between the brain and body more easily, reducing overall bodily stress (and, likely, tension headaches). 

Another way chiropractic can help alleviate tension headaches is by reducing tension on the muscles and joints surrounding the spine. When the spine is misaligned, it exerts pressure on the surrounding tissue, causing stress to radiate throughout the body and potentially causing a tension headache. The realignment of the spine achieved in a chiropractic adjustment relieves this pressure and allows muscles, bones, and joints to return to normal, healthy functioning. 

Other tips: 

• If you are experiencing chronic, severely painful headaches, talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment. Chiropractic is a great tool to have in your back pocket in case of mild to moderate tension headaches but additional treatment may be necessary.

• As always, following the basic building blocks of a healthy lifestyle will help reduce stress and, potentially, alleviate tension headaches. In addition to getting regular chiropractic adjustments, weave the following healthy habits into your daily routine: 
  • At least 7 hours of quality sleep per night
  • Regular, balanced, nutritious meals
  • Meditation, journaling, and other stress-relieving practices
  • Regular movement – anything from stretching and walking to more vigorous exercise
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake

At Kennedy Chiropractic, we want to help you feel your best. Proudly providing expert chiropractic services to individuals of all ages in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Milwaukee, and surrounding communities. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.