Can Chiropractors Treat Headaches?
Approximately 9% of men and 12% of women in the U.S. experience between one and two headaches per month, while 4% of U.S. adults have more than 180 headache days per year. With these statistics, it is easy to understand why headaches are one of the most common reasons that people visit chiropractors.
Dr. Hanford at Denali Injury and Spine Center has successfully treated patients throughout Anchorage for headaches, helping them get relief for their symptoms while addressing the underlying causes of their bouts with head pain.
Headaches 101
There are more than 300 causes of headaches, ranging from acute injuries to dehydration and chronic nerve irritation. There are also many different kinds of headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches, and headaches caused by overuse of pain medication, cervicogenic problems, muscle tension, and injuries. Part of successfully treating headaches is understanding the root cause.
Unless you have an acute injury that is clearly responsible for your headache, it may be helpful to keep a journal tracking your headaches to help you identify patterns and potential triggers, to help Dr. Hanford understand your symptoms.
Chiropractic for Headaches
Chiropractic treatment offers a solution for headaches that doesn’t require relying on pain medications, which can cause side effects and rebound pain. Even though headaches can have a variety of causes, most of the core triggers can be traced to a spinal, muscular, or habitual issue.
Dr. Hanford will start by determining the cause of your headaches in order to develop a chiropractic treatment plan. Spinal adjustments and spinal decompression can be helpful in fighting headaches by restoring healthy spinal alignment and alleviating pressure on nerves along the spine that may be irritated by bulging spinal discs. These treatments also encourage nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to flow more easily to heal inflammation.
Dr. Hanford can also help with headache prevention tips, including strategies to change any habits you may have that are contributing to headache, such as dietary adjustments, exercise plans, and posture corrections.
Dr. Hanford uses a multidisciplinary approach to help patients get relief. In addition to chiropractic care for headaches, he may also combine physical and massage therapy with your care. When necessary, he will also refer you to a medical pain management specialist to ensure you get the relief you need.
Schedule an Appointment for Headache Treatment
Don’t lose days to headache pain. At Denali Injury and Spine Center, Dr. Hanford will help you get the relief you need so you can get back to doing what you love without relying on medications. Make an appointment for chiropractic care for headaches in Anchorage by calling (907) 333-6525.
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