Juggling work, family, and friends keeps you busy, but sometimes this packed schedule means increased stress. This doesn’t just impact you mentally but takes a physical toll, leading to trouble sleeping, elevated heart rate, and tension headaches. Find out below why these occur and how chiropractic care can help.

Why Tension Headaches Occur

The precise cause of tension headaches is unknown, although they appear to be linked to stress. One possible explanation is that stress causes muscles in the face and neck to tense up and contract. Another potential reason is that people who experience tension headaches have a heightened sensitivity to pain in general.

Episodic headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full week. These may become frequent, occurring for up to 3 months at a time but always for less than 15 days per month. If headaches occur for more than 15 days per month for at least 3 months, they are classified as chronic.

Symptoms

Tension headaches originate at the back of the head, moving to the front and sides. Other symptoms include muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders and a feeling of dull pressure, as if there were a vice squeezing your head. You may also notice sleep problems and have trouble eating.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

A chiropractor can help relieve tension headaches through spinal manipulation, which alleviates misalignment of the vertebrae that place stress on muscles and ligaments. Meanwhile, massage therapy —a normal part of a comprehensive chiropractic care plan — promotes circulation to decrease stress further.

Don’t let tension headaches keep you from enjoying life. Get help from Eastern Hills Chiropractic in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Matthew Haumesser has been practicing chiropractic care since 1988. He and his team will create a tailor-made plan based on your symptoms and offer everything from immediate pain relief to long-term care. Review their services online and call (513) 528-2200 to schedule an appointment.