Spinal manipulation and other therapies used by chiropractors effectively treat headaches, especially migraines and headaches that originate in the neck. Dr. Joe Colopy at Colopy Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Arlington, Texas encourages you to schedule a consultation if you have persistent headaches. He’ll perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause, then develop a chiropractic treatment plan to relieve your headache and help prevent headaches from developing in the future.

What are the different types of headaches?

There are diverse types of headaches and each one has a different cause. Headaches are identified according to the type and location of the pain, how often you have the headache, how long each headache lasts, and the presence of any other symptoms.

There are three types of headaches that are effectively treated using chiropractic care:

Migraine headache
Migraines are known for their constant throbbing pain that begins on one side of the head then often spreads to the other side. Intense pain is usually concentrated on the sides of the forehead. Among the many symptoms accompanying migraines for many are a sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

Tension headache
This headache is located in the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. It’s caused by stress, anxiety, anger, and fatigue.

Cervicogenic headache
The pain originates in the bones and soft tissues of the neck, then it radiates up the side of the head and into shoulders and arms. Neck movement is often limited by this headache.

Why should you see a chiropractor for your headache?

Headache is the third most common reason patients seek chiropractic care. Their choice of treatment is well grounded because research shows that chiropractic treatment relieves the pain, reduces the frequency, and provides extended relief of migraine and cervicogenic headaches. Spinal adjustments are also effective for tension headaches.

What chiropractic therapies are used to treat headaches?

After an examination to diagnose the cause of your headache, Dr. Colopy may recommend spinal manipulations, as these adjustments often provide immediate relief for headaches that originate in the neck. After four weeks of chiropractic treatment, many patients continue to have better headache relief compared to people who rely on pharmaceutical or over-the-counter pain relievers.

Tension headaches are commonly caused by subluxations, or spinal misalignment, in the upper back and neck. Tension headaches may also be caused by pain from trigger points on the side of the neck. These problems can be relieved by spinal adjustments and trigger point therapy.

Dr. Colopy may also recommend other types of treatments, including nutritional advice and dietary changes (headaches are often triggered by certain foods). An evaluation of your posture and learning exercises that promote relaxation should also help relieve pain.