Headaches are the most common health complaint among Americans. They are often painful, may cause loss of function, and can be disabling. In addition, many people suffering from headaches find them challenging to treat with over-the-counter pain medications and require medical care. 

Chiropractic care provides several benefits for people suffering from headaches and may be an effective treatment option for many patients who continue to suffer from frequent headaches.

Chiropractic care focuses on the neuromusculoskeletal system and helps restore proper joint motion to relieve pain. Depending on the type of headache and the severity, some patients feel relief after their first visit.

Types of Headaches that Chiropractors Treat

Chiropractic care is very effective in relieving headaches. Chiropractors treat headaches by adjusting the spine using gentle mobilization techniques. Your chiropractor will assess all factors that may contribute to your headaches, such as muscle tension, stress, water intake, and postural habits.

To identify and correct any underlying causes of chronic neck pain, chiropractors use a series of diagnostic tests to determine the source of your headache. Below are the most common headaches that chiropractors can help with:

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are the most common and affect an estimated 15 million Americans yearly. They're characterized by moderate-to-severe throbbing pain on one side of the head or face that may accompany nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and vomiting.

Suboccipital Headaches

Suboccipital headaches (also known as upper cervical or lateral headaches) occur in the back of the neck and cause severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. These can often be confused with migraines, so it is important to get a professional opinion so it can be treated appropriately. Tight suboccipital muscles can trigger these headaches. Suboccipital headaches can be excruciating during physical activity, like lifting weights, climbing stairs, or running long distances.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are severe attacks that bring many symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, eye-watering, and sensitivity to light and sound. However, these symptoms do not last long compared to other migraines, lasting between 15 minutes to 3 hours and up to 8 times per day.

The Role of Suboccipital Muscles in Tension Headaches

The suboccipital muscles are a group of muscles that run along the base of the skull. They help to extend and rotate the head. The most common pain distribution from these muscles is around the head towards the temples.

Chiropractic care can help you manage these symptoms by helping you find and treat any suboccipital trigger points that may contribute to your headaches.

How Adjustments Help in Headaches Treatment

If you're looking for a way to decrease the frequency and intensity of your headaches, consider visiting your local chiropractor. Chiropractic care is a holistic method of treatment that focuses on the connection between the nervous system and the body's musculoskeletal system. This treatment aims to restore normal movement and function by adjusting the spine and alleviating muscle stiffness.

In addition to helping with chronic pain, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce or eliminate headaches caused by muscle tension surrounding your skull or neck (the occipital region). Stress or poor posture may cause this tension; adjusting these muscles will help alleviate symptoms associated with these headaches, such as nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.

They can provide exercises that can help decrease pain and keep headaches from coming back. There may be some additional factors contributing to your headaches that a chiropractor could help identify.

Can Bad Posture or Text Neck Contribute to Headaches?

When you have a headache, it's important to determine the cause.

Sitting with poor posture for long periods can cause headaches. Bad posture or text neck is a very common contributor to headaches and neck pain. Other common factors are stress and anxiety.

Some people will experience more headaches if they're hunched over a computer all day, but others may only experience headaches when they're in the wrong position for hours.

If you're experiencing pain in your neck, it's important to ensure you don't have any underlying health issues that could cause it. It's also important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor to get the appropriate treatment for any underlying health problems.

Using Exercise to Reduce Headache Frequency and Intensity 

Chiropractic care can be a valuable tool for reducing headache frequency and intensity. Not only is it effective for headaches not caused by injury or other medical conditions, but regular chiropractic care can also help you manage existing headaches.

HD Performance Chiropractic Is Here to Help

If you're suffering from frequent or intense headaches, HD Performance Chiropractic might help reduce their frequency and intensity. Contact our Katy office today to learn more about how we can help you manage your pain without prescription medications.