At some point in life, virtually everyone will experience a headache. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort that passes quickly to chronic, intense pain that limits one's ability to perform daily tasks. For many, chiropractic care provides significant headache relief. Below are some important things to know about this condition and how a holistic treatment option may help. 

What Are the Most Common Types of Headaches?

Tension

This type of headache results from tension in the muscles of the head and neck. It can stem from any number of causes, including stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, hunger, or even changes in the weather.

Sinus

These headaches are produced by pressure, inflammation, or infection in the sinuses, often because of a cold or upper respiratory infection. The sinuses are the cavities around the nasal passages located on either side of the nose and between the eyes. Headache pain can be acute, often felt in the face, forehead, and behind the eyes.

Migraines

Migraines affect 38 million people in the United States alone, and two to three million of those individuals experience chronic migraines. These types of headaches are thought to be caused by overactivity in the sensitive nerve endings of the brain and usually create pain in one specific area of the head. They can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, bright or flashing lights, or particular smells.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic care utilizes spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, neuromuscular massage, and range of motion exercises to reduce tension and relieve headache pain. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to bring the spine into healthier alignment, which in turn promotes the body's natural healing capabilities. The exact course of treatment will depend on the type of headache you have, the degree of pain, and the physical limitations it causes.

Your chiropractor will not just treat the symptoms of your headache; they will aim to find the root cause and eliminate it to provide the most long-term relief possible. For instance, if poor posture is putting tension on your neck, they can recommend lifestyle changes, such as ergonomic chairs or postural corrections. They can also give you at-home exercises to prevent headaches from recurring, such as shoulder and head rolls. 

If you have frequent headaches, chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to manage, prevent, and eliminate your pain. The chiropractors at Ark-La-Tex Health Center in Miller County, AR, are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care, and they’ll devise a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. They also have a nurse practitioner on staff who handles chronic care, illnesses, physicals, and minor emergencies such as sprains or simple fractures. Visit their website to learn more about these and other services, or call (870) 773-­7246 to schedule an appointment today.