Headache and Migraine

Headaches and Migraines are among the most common complaints we encounter at Pro Health Chiropractic.  The first thing that we need to investigate is what is actually causing your headache, as there are many causes. There are many questions that will be asked in your history, for example: where are your headaches felt?, how severe are they?, do they follow a pattern?, do you have associated visual changes? etc... Along with a chiropractic examination, we can usually tell what is causing your heachache so that we can appropriately deal with its cause.  X-rays may also be recommended to aid in our diagnosis and management. 

​​

​

How can Chiropractic help? 

​

Chiropractic can help with headaches by correcting misaligned spinal vertebrae (referred to as vertebral subluxation) in the region of the neck and back. This subluxation causes the muscles of the upper shoulder and neck to tighten as well as causing postural changes. Nerves can also be pressured. These changes, in many cases will cause a headache.

Your chiropractor is highly trained in diagnosing and treating these vertebral misalignments or subluxations.

Your chiropractor will also discuss any lifestyle factors which may help you to prevent a relapse of headaches. Sleeping posture, work ergonomics, diet and other factors are important, and will be carefully considered. 

In 1994 The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics conducted a study of 26 patients (16 males, 10 females) who all had chronic headaches with upper cervical joint dysfunction. Significant diminishing of the severity and frequency of headaches was reported in a large majority of the subjects (24 out of 26).

Reference:

The effect of manipulation (toggle recoil technique) for headaches with upper cervical joint dysfunction: a pilot study. Wittingham, W, Ellis WB, and Molyneux TP, JMPT, July/August 1994, 17(6): 369-375