Dr. Smith treat Headaches with a number of safe and effective techniques. Most of us have experienced the throbbing or stabbing pain of a headache. There are many types of headaches and the exact cause can be complex. Causes range from muscle tension, jaw clenching, and food sensitivities to poor posture and automobile accidents. Determining the type of headache/cause is key to proper treatment.
Headaches | Abq
What are Headaches?
Headaches are not normal. When recurring, they are a sign that something is wrong and should not be ignored. Aspirin, ibuprofen and other medications may temporarily mask the symptoms but they do nothing to correct the source of the problem. As long as the problem remains the pain will continue to come back.
Headaches come from many sources. Muscle tension is by far the most common cause. However, dehydration, clenching your jaw, and migraines are also very common causes. Migraines are often triggered by food sensitivities while muscle tension headaches are frequently related to poor posture.
Vertebrogenic Headaches are caused by problems with the joints in the cervical spine. These may be felt in the back, sides and front of the head or in the front of the face or neck.
Chronic irritation of the nerve roots between the vertebrae can be caused by changes to the normal curvature of the cervical spine caused by trauma, degenerative arthritis or poor posture. The onset of pain is often acute and may also cause muscle contractions in the neck that trigger tension in the head.
Pain is the body’s way of alerting us that something is wrong. Pay attention to these signals and treat more than just the symptoms.
Chiropractic for Head Pain
A Doctor of Chiropractic is highly experienced in finding the underlying causes of headaches as well as relieving the immediate pain. They can determine whether the pain is due to a physical or structural problem and help to correct it.
Therapeutic massage can help to relax tight muscles which is often a contributing factor. Craniosacral Therapy often provides extended periods of relief for more complex and hard to treat headaches. Relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes may also be suggested to help avoid recurrences in the future.
Medical management usually involves some type of medication that can result in unwanted side effects or dependencies. Chiropractic can offer a more natural natural and safe approach.
Our team works with patients to determine the ultimate cause of their pain. We often recommend workstation improvements and gentle stretches to help relieve stress on the neck. We also address possible food triggers and sensitivities. Supplementation is appropriate in some cases, and when the TMJ is involved a bite-guard may be needed.
If you are seeking treatment in Placitas or the surrounding areas of Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Abq, or Santa Fe call or schedule online.