Headaches and Migraines
Is It a Migraine or a Headache?
Many people believe migraines are just a more severe form of tension headaches, but they differ in origin and experience, and are often misdiagnosed. It’s important to determine whether we’re dealing with a true migraine or a tension headache before treatment can begin.
Migraines result from vascular restriction in the brain. During the episode, the blood vessels restrict, rebound, and then expand back out, producing the pain and pounding effect many experience.
In cases of forward head posture, where the head is carried in front of the shoulders, the muscles in the back of the neck and upper back, such as the trapezius and rhomboid, have to work harder than if the head was properly aligned. It results from not having the correct cervical arc in the neck, and may be backward arcing, or worse, a reversed arc, causing extreme wear and tear on the spine.
Forward posture creates more strain on the muscles, and lactic acid builds up resulting in muscle spasms. Over time, the constant strain develops trigger points in the muscle.
These hypersensitive areas often refer pain to very specific areas of the body, such as the temple or behind the eye. This referral pattern directly results from excess stress on muscles and extreme gravitational forces because of poor posture.
Getting Results
Tension headaches respond well to chiropractic care, with improvement usually seen within one or two weeks. In chronic cases, which have lasted for many years, it will take longer to work out the trigger points, and correct the misalignments.
We have various methods of soft tissue manipulation, traction, and rehabilitative exercises to restore a normal arc in the spine and relieve pain.
Call Now
Book an appointment today and get the relief you need. Call us at (843) 524-4325.
