Chiropractor Sydney Approach to Headache Relief.
To get effective headache relief, a holistic approach is often required. Headaches are usually an extension of upper back, shoulder, and neck muscle tension & spine dysfunction. There are two broad-based categories that headaches fell into to: tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches. The type of headache you have is very important, as this changes the approach that is needed for best results.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are typically described as a tight band around the temples and forehead and are generally associated with upper back & shoulder and neck tension. The important muscles that may cause pain in the temples and forehead are the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, semispinalis capitis, and frontalis. As a general rule, chiropractic adjustments tend to be less effective for tension headaches, as it is predominantly a myofascial problem, but chiropractic adjustments to the upper back and neck can be a great accompaniment.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are usually felt on one side of the head and face and associated with one-sided neck pain; the most important muscles are the levator scapula, trapezius, splenius cervicis, semispinalis capitis, and sub suboccipitales. Chiropractic adjustments are typically much more effective with this type of headache, and the tension is more concentrated on one side of the upper neck spinal joints. Read one-sided neck pain for more detailed information. These headaches can be quite debilitating and may lead to nausea when they get quite bad; without proper treatment, they may become a chronic problem that can really affect people’s lives, not just due to the headaches but also the associated neck pain and dysfunction.
It is usually not necessary to visit a chiropractor twice a week or regularly for months to have your neck adjusted. Addressing the chronic muscle tension combined with chiropractic treatment usually results in much quicker and longer-lasting results compared to only treating one or the other.
