There’s no two ways about it -- headaches suck! More than just being miserable, headaches also take a toll in the workplace. Headaches and migraines are a huge driver of absenteeism, as the pain keeps or sends employees home to recover. This can cost headache sufferers money and opportunities. But the bigger side effect of headaches is lost productivity while at work, as reduced attention and slower processing lead to “presenteeism.”
If you’re suffering from headaches, it may be costing you more than you think! Let’s start by identifying some of the most common types of headaches and how chiropractic can help.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and can be intensely painful. These headaches happen when the muscles in your neck and scalp become inflamed, tighten, or cramp. This can be caused by stress, depression, anxiety, or injury.
You may be more susceptible to tension headaches if you work on the computer, spend a lot of time looking at your cell phone (which puts your neck in an unnatural position), or spend hours doing repetitive motions with your arms in front of you (for example, drivers, hairstylists, cashiers, etc.).
A tension headache may feel like pressure, usually in a band around your head and often feels like a “whole head” headache.
How Chiropractic Helps Tension Headaches
A misaligned spine can cause or worsen tension headaches, as the muscles tense in reaction to the joint being out of place. Chiropractic adjustments correct vertebral alignment and help the muscles calm back down. Dry Needling, or inserting fine filament needles into the muscles, is an incredibly effective way to relieve tension headaches.
Whiplash Headaches
Whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, but it can also be caused by a fall or shove, especially in sports. Whiplash can set off tension headaches in addition to neck pain and reduced mobility, and are usually quite acute.
How Chiropractic Helps Whiplash Headaches
Whiplash headaches are treated like tension headaches with an increased focus on the neck and shoulder muscles. In addition to chiropractic adjustments and dry needling, we recommend Graston technique to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in key muscles. This will help correct your headaches at the source.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are different from tension or whiplash headaches because they have a specific trigger. It’s important to work with a specialist to identify and treat the source of a migraine headache. Migraines are characterized by searing pain usually on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and/or sound, visual artifacts (sparkles), and/or nausea and vomiting.
How Chiropractic Helps Migraine Headaches
Chiropractic care in conjunction with specialized medical treatment can help relieve pain and improve your overall happiness and health. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies are an important complement to traditional medicine for migraine treatment.
See a Sports Chiropractor
Visiting a Sports Chiropractor instead of a traditional chiropractor is a great idea for athletes and beginners alike. Sports chiropractic is specifically aimed at the treatment and prevention of injuries in sports, in addition to managing everyday aches and pains. If you’re just starting a workout plan after a long period of inactivity, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stark for an evaluation and guidance so you can work out with confidence and direction.
Dr. Stark is a Sports Chiropractor and a certified EMT in North Houston.
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Call for same-day appointments: 281-836-5908