Chiropractic Headache Treatment

Headaches are a common complaint in our Longmont chiropractic office.  Typically, we are able to diagnose and successfully treat headaches.  The first step to determining if your headache is treatable with chiropractic, is to determine what type of headache you have.

There are many types of headaches.  Common headaches include tension or suboccipital headaches, sinus headaches, migraine headaches and hormonal headaches.  Less common headaches include cluster headaches and those caused from increased intracranial pressure.  The most common to present to a chiropractic office are tension headaches.

Tension headaches begin at the base of the skull, and often progress in a rams-horn distribution towards the front of the head.  They are caused by tight muscles in the back of the head and misalignment of the cervical vertebrae,  most commonly the first 1-3.  Patients typically have high stress and often spend time each day staring at a computer screen.  Treatment is simple and effective, focusing on releasing muscle tension and adjusting the upper cervical spine (neck).   The second most common type of headaches treated in our office are migraines.

A migraine headache typically begins with an aura.  Aura describes visual disturbances such as shimmering waves, flashing lights or even a loss of vision.  This is often accompanied by nausea and extremely sensitive smell.   This progresses to severe head pain, typically surrounding the entire skull.  Treatment is dependent on identifying triggers- often food or smell, and manipulation of the cervical spine.  We have a high success rate in the treatment of these headaches.  Hormonal headaches are not as common, but often seen in our office.

Hormonal headaches typically occur in women, near the monthly cycle.  Once identified, they are easily treated with a variety of hormone creams.  They can also occur during menopause or peri-menopause.

Sinus headaches are less common.  Typically, these present following a sinus infection or cold and are accompanied by post-nasal drip, bad breath, and allergies.  These often respond well to chiropractic manipulation, as manipulating the spine can result in sinus drainage and clearing.

If you have a headache and are searching for a solution, chiropractic care is a successful and well documented treatment choice.  If you live in Longmont or surrounding areas and are searching for relief from headaches, we would be happy to help! Contact us today at (303) 651-7003