At Islands Chiropractic & Massage, our Gilbert chiropractor and team frequently see patients come into the office complaining of persistent headaches and migraines. We understand just how debilitating ongoing headaches and migraines can be, which is why we specialize in the natural and drug-free treatment of this problem from the source.
To help our patients become well educated and informed on headaches, their causes, and potential treatment options, we have taken the time to put together a list of the most commonly asked questions we receive here at our office.
What Causes Headaches?
There are many potential causes of headaches, but the main cause of a headache is a sudden constriction or dilation of the blood vessels leading to and from the brain. This can be brought on by many factors, including stress and diet. In tension headaches, the cause is typically muscle and soft tissue inflammation around the shoulders and neck area (cervical spine).
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Headaches?
Chiropractic treatment can be effective in treating headaches and reducing both their frequency and severity. Specifically, we have found that spinal adjustments can help improve the function of the body’s central nervous system, which in turn can reduce inflammation of muscles and soft tissue (a common cause of tension headaches). Chiropractic methods can also focus on relieving headaches caused by pinched nerves and poor spinal alignment.
How Are Headaches Diagnosed?
Recurring headaches caused by spinal problems or issues with the body’s central nervous system are diagnosed through a review of symptoms, as well as a physical evaluation. Specifically, chiropractors will check for problems such as spinal misalignment and pinched nerves to accurately determine a cause and diagnosis.
What Are Symptoms of a Headache?
Some of the most common symptoms of headaches include throbbing pain in the head or temple area that is sometimes accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light/sounds/smells. Some people with severe headaches or migraines will also experience temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes. In some cases, the symptoms of a headache can seriously interfere with a person’s life and prevent them from meeting important obligations.
What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
There are five main types of headaches, including tension headaches (explained above), cluster headaches, sinus headaches, rebound headaches, and migraine headaches. Tension and migraine headaches are two of the most common we see here in our office and tend to respond the best to chiropractic treatment methods.
Schedule Your Appointment With Your Gilbert Chiropractor Today
If you are suffering from persistent headaches or migraines, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with our Gilbert chiropractor Dr. Carlow at Islands Chiropractic & Massage. We will conduct a thorough evaluation to get to the bottom of what is causing your headaches. From there, our professionals can come up with a customized treatment plan to suit your specific needs and lifestyle. Call us at (480) 545-4580 to set up your appointment today.