Do frequent headaches keep you from work and other activities? Are you worried about taking too much over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen?
Chiropractic care is worth considering if you answered “yes” to either of these questions. It provides a noninvasive, drug-free treatment approach that can help align your spine, reduce muscle tension, and improve your posture.
At The Clinic Houston Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, experienced chiropractor Michael Shiha, DC, uses chiropractic adjustments and other manual techniques to relieve certain types of headaches. Keep reading to learn about the common causes of chronic headaches and how chiropractic care can provide relief.
Chronic headaches are defined as occurring 15 or more days per month. The most common type is migraine, which can be triggered by various factors, but several other types of chronic headaches exist.
These include tension-type, daily persistent headaches. Although these headaches occur for various reasons, several common causes include:
If you have frequent headaches, seeking professional care is crucial. Without treatment, your symptoms can worsen and keep you from activities you enjoy.
Chiropractic care can help reduce your headache symptoms and frequency in several ways. Let’s take a closer look at some of the techniques Dr. Shiha uses during headache treatment:
Tight muscles in your shoulders and neck are among the most common causes of tension-type headaches. People tend to carry lots of stress in these areas, which can place pressure on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
Chiropractic adjustments help address these issues by realigning your spine, including your neck vertebrae. This increases circulation to the area, allowing your muscles to relax. It also helps reduce inflammation, restoring proper nerve and blood vessel function.
Many people spend the majority of their workday sitting at a computer or looking at various electronic devices like smartphones and tablets.
This may not seem strenuous, but without practicing proper posture or using an ergonomic setup, it’s easy to strain the muscles in your back and neck. For example, looking down for extended periods can add up to 60 pounds of extra force on your cervical spine.
Dr. Shiha assesses your posture and provides simple tips to help you improve it. He may also recommend certain products, like standing desks or ergonomic chairs and keyboards, to ensure proper posture and reduce tension on your muscles and nerves.
Often, chronic headaches are triggered by lifestyle factors, such as stress and dehydration. As a chiropractor, Dr. Shiha believes most of these issues can be managed using a conservative, integrative approach.
For instance, small changes, like drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, can replenish fluids and electrolytes, reducing your risk of dehydration headaches. Similarly, sleeping on a comfortable mattress and supportive pillow can help keep your spine aligned and ease pressure on your shoulders and neck.
Chronic headaches can make life miserable, but you don’t have to accept the status quo. A personalized chiropractic care plan may ease your symptoms and reduce your headache frequency.
To learn more about the benefits, call Dr. Shiha at 346-387-0622 or request an appointment online today.
