Most people try meds 1st before Chiropractic but perhaps it should be the other way around.
I get it, when you have a headache, you will do almost anything to get rid of the pain and medication often provides at least some short-term relief. Living with headaches is a painful, uncomfortable inconvenience in life. You may have been suffering from them for a while and not seeing much improvement from taking medications as treatments. If you are in this situation, you may want to consider a treatment that most people consider alternative, Chiropractic. My question is should it be considered the primary treatment for headaches? Here are some things to consider. This blog will highlight some of the risks of taking medications for headaches, and the benefits of using chiropractic care instead.
The other day I found a small toothpick thick tree growing in my yard. The medication approach is like mowing down the tree along with the grass only to find that it grows right back again.
The Chiropractic goal is to get to the root of the problem weather it’s headaches or other pain.
Now you might just think oh he’s a Chiropractor trying to sell me on something, but here’s the truth. See if it makes sense to you.
I thought my little tree problem was just a little seedling that would come right up. It wasn’t till I got digging with my little weed puller that I realized that the little toothpick sized twig that just showed up was connected to a thumb sized 30-foot-long root that had been growing for the past 8 years without any outward, surface, symptoms at all. It came under the fence from the neighbor’s yard. With permission from the neighbor, I dug it out while the root was still small. Preventing fence damage in the future.
The medication approach is a lot like my little tree problem. because your body creates neurological patterns every day it learns new patterns and reinforces those patterns whether they are good or bad, every day. The longer you have had the problem the stronger the root gets and the harder it is to correct it.
Long story short: it is better to use Chiropractic as soon as you can to get to the root of the problem. Medications can cover up symptoms for a while but allow the root to continue to grow. And the symptoms (tree sprout) to come back over and over again.
Neuroscience research has proven some amazing things: Chiropractic has a strong connection to both the multisensory and sensory motor reflexes and thus helps with headaches.
Your brain is amazing. Your brain has created a 3-dimensional neural root system or neural map. The brain uses multi – sensory (the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and vision). The brain also uses sensorimotor integration (brain, nerve and muscle balance and coordination) to learn new skills or good or bad every day, to regulate the neuromuscular system. Like learning a new sport, it is best to have coach, to prevent aberrant motion patterns that could otherwise be mapped by the brain. Like a bad golf swing, if it isn’t corrected right away, it gets reinforced and is difficult to change. So it’s better to catch little problems right away,
While the short – term medication approach works for a while, if you never get to the root of the problem like my little tree problem, you may have a broken fence to fix in the future.
If you just take medications, getting at the root is unlikely. The medications eventually become less effective requiring stronger meds. Dependency and side effects are more likely than not. Common side effects that we see in our office: GI disorders including ulcerative colitis and bleeding ulcers of the GI tract.
Understanding Headaches
Headaches are a common health problem that can significantly impact daily life. There are different types of headaches with distinct characteristics:
This is what I have observed with my own patients:
- Tension Headaches: These are very common types that are often described as a constant, dull, aching pain on both sides of the head. They are typically caused by stress, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
- -Responds extremely well to Chiropractic, often eliminating the need for medication at all.
- Migraine Headaches: Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that usually occur on one side of the head. They can last for hours or even days and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual auras and sensitivity to light and sound. Triggers include hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and sensory stimuli.
- -Responds well to Chiropractic, In some cases eliminating the need for medication. In most cases, we can eliminate the number of headaches per month in half! or at least the pain intensity by 25-50%.
- Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. The pain is intense, usually around one eye and can last from 15 minutes to three hours. Triggers might include alcohol, smoking, high altitudes, and strong smells.
- -Responds to Chiropractic but they are tougher to work with. In some cases, eliminating the need for medication. In most cases, we can eliminate the number of headaches per month or at least the pain intensity.
From the Pub med.: Journal of Family Med Prim Care. 2018 May-Jun; 7(3): 629–631. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_68_18
PMCID: PMC6069670
PMID: 30112321
Long-term relief from tension-type headache and major depression following chiropractic treatment
Recent studies are finding that chiropractic care is a way to reduce the frequency of pain, and the duration and intensity of headaches. A study of 62 women with tension headaches, the authors found that, when compared to the control, the individuals who engaged in spinal adjustment showed improvements in their physical role, bodily pain, and social functioning 1 month after treatment. [8] In a trial comparing spinal adjustments with the use of amitriptyline (Elavil ® ) in the treatment of TTHs, study
participants in both groups showed improvement, but those who received spinal adjustments had longer lasting benefits.
Other studies on headaches with sham (placebo) spinal adjustments were found about the same as no treatment.
Traditional Medication Treatments for Headaches
For many, the first line of defense against headaches involves traditional medication treatments, which can be categorized into over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and prescription medications.
Painkillers include drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin. These medications are easily accessible and are often effective in managing mild to moderate headache pain. For more severe headaches, such as migraines, doctors may prescribe triptans, ergotamines, or even certain types of antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.
Side Effects of Medications
Here are some potential side effects of using medications for headaches;
- Liver damage (you can only take 1,000 tablets of acetaminophen-Tylenol in your lifetime before you have trouble with your liver.
- Allergic reactions
- Upset stomach
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, common with Ibuprofen.
- Ulcers, common with Ibuprofen.
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
These are just a few of the side effects that can accompany medication use for headaches. For a full list of side affects you should talk to your Pharmacist. Pharmacists are a great resource for information. Prolonged use can cause more serious and long- term side effects, which is why medication may not always be the best option if you really want to the root of the problem.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help Relieve Headaches
Here are some of the ways that chiropractic adjustments can help with headaches and get you back on your feet: It is really al about the neuroscience we mentioned above and how the brain is impacted in positive ways with Chiropractic. Chiropractic in a sense it resets the breaker in spine and the brain so the body functions at a higher and more efficient way to deal with the stress of life physical or emotional.
- Aligning the Spine – Misalignments in the spine can lead to a range of health problems, including headaches. These misalignments can irritate nervous system and interfere with the normal function of the nerves. By performing specific spinal adjustments, chiropractors can correct these misalignments, reducing irritation and restoring proper nerve function. This can alleviate headache symptoms, especially those related to tension and cervical spine issues.
- Reducing Muscle Tension – Muscle tension is a common trigger for tension headaches and migraines. Poor posture, stress, and repetitive strain can cause muscles in the neck and shoulders to become tight and painful. Chiropractic care includes techniques such as soft tissue therapy, stretching, and targeted adjustments to release muscle tension. By addressing the root cause of the tension, chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
- Improving Blood Flow and Nerve Function – Neuro-science has actually proven that proper spinal alignment is crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow and nerve function. Misalignments in the spine can restrict blood vessels and compress nerves, leading to poor circulation and nerve pain, both of which contribute to headaches. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore normal blood flow by reducing spinal misalignments and nerve interference. Enhanced blood flow ensures that oxygen and essential nutrients are effectively delivered to the brain and other tissues, which can help prevent headaches.
By focusing on spinal health, reducing muscle tension, and improving overall nervous system function, chiropractic treatments can provide significant relief for many headache sufferers.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Chiropractic care offers several key benefits for managing and preventing headaches:
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Approach: Chiropractic adjustments provide a non- invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional headache treatments. By using hands-on manipulation to correct spinal misalignments, chiropractors can alleviate headache pain without surgery or medications. This is ideal for those who prefer to avoid the side effects and dependency issues linked to pharmaceuticals.
Potential for Long-Term Relief and Prevention: Chiropractic care not only addresses immediate headache pain but also helps prevent future occurrences. By correcting spinal issues and enhancing overall spinal health, chiropractic adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches over time. Regular visits can identify and mitigate lifestyle factors such as poor posture and stress that contribute to headaches, offering long-term relief and prevention.
Fewer Side Effects Compared to Medications: Medications for headaches often come with side effects while chiropractic care has a much lower risk of side effects. While some patients may experience mild soreness after an adjustment, these side effects are typically short-lived and less severe than those from medications.
Overall, chiropractic care provides a safe, natural, and effective way to manage and prevent headaches, focusing on spinal health and underlying causes for lasting relief.
So if you have tried the medication rout before your not alone, It’s time for a change
Choose Grant Chiropractic for Headache Relief
Dr. Grant at Grant Chiropractic has been in Kaysville longer than any other Chiropractic office. He stays up on his research and is highly experienced and qualified to treat patients suffering from headaches. He prioritizes comfort and professionality and will guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on your journey to finding lasting relief.