​Chiropractic treatment for headache relief has a long and successful history. Issues with subluxations and spine alignment not only cause back pain and muscle cramps, they may put pressure on the brain stem and also affect blood flow to the head, causing headaches.

When headaches or migraines begin to limit your ability to enjoy life, identifying the causes and providing lasting relief without medication is our top priority. Chiropractic and relaxation massage therapies will address the nervous system, and structural issues, and soft tissue to allow healing, rather than simply masking the symptoms with painkillers.
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​What Causes Persistent Tension Headaches or Migraines?

When the spine moves out of alignment because of repetitive stress, trauma, or growth issues, the nerve fibers suffer increased pressure and friction. As the nerves become irritated, the muscles in the back, neck, and jaw respond by becoming tight.
 
This tightening of the muscles is a direct cause of tension headaches and neck pain. Mental stress is also a contributing factor, as is lack of sleep, poor posture, and environmental or dietary triggers.
 
This continuing constriction and irritation can limit blood flow and trigger abnormal neurological activity in the brain, causing a migraine.
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​What Type of Headache Do You Have?

​Tension Headaches

Tense muscles cause neck and shoulder pain, which moves up and forward to cause pain on both sides of the head. Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days, or until the muscle tension is relieved.

​Migraine Headaches

​Migraines cause intense pain behind the eyes or on the side of the head. Sufferers may see visual effects and auras, including moving dots of light as the migraine begins. Light and noise sensitivity are common, as is nausea and vomiting. Migraines last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches differ from migraines in their recurrent nature. While the duration is shorter, you may have several headaches per day for two weeks up to three months at a time. The pain is severe and comes on quickly, typically on one side of the head or behind the eye. Cluster headaches are typically accompanied by a runny nose and a tearing eye on the same side of the head as the headache.

​How Does McCann Family Chiropractic Reduce or Eliminate Headaches?

​Dr. Matt will perform an examination to determine if your headaches are being aggravated or directly caused by a subluxation, pinched nerve, or another spinal alignment issue, and then develop an integrated plan for treatment. Regular adjustments, medical massage, deep tissue therapy, dietary recommendations, and therapeutic exercises may all be part of your wellness plan.
 
There is no reason to continue living with constant physical pain and chronic headaches. If your symptoms are caused by a structural or alignment problem, the nerve irritation will continueand no amount of pain medication will provide a cure. Many patients experience immediate relief after their first few chiropractic treatments and long-term healing with regular adjustments.
 
To find lasting headache relief and experience the overall wellness that chiropractic care provides, call us now at (360) 657-7183 or contact us online to schedule an initial evaluation in our Marysville office.
 
Be sure to take advantage of our special offers, including an incredible deal combining wellness massage with a discount on your new patient chiropractic exam!