Because chiropractors work with the spine, patients often think that chiropractic will be useful only for back and neck pain. However, since the spine is central to the nervous system, chiropractic care can be helpful for many conditions, including headache.
Headaches can be felt in very specific locations, such as behind the eyes, at the temples, or at the back of the head. Sometimes headaches are only on one side of the head. They can be felt as stabbing pain, a dull pain, or as a feeling of tightness. Headaches can last for a few minutes or for days. They may be debilitating and may be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea or upper respiratory problems.
Some 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches: headaches that show up every day. Many people treat headaches, whether chronic or acute, with over the counter painkillers. Unfortunately, regular use of these medications can actually cause headaches.
A large Duke University study conducted in 2001 found that chiropractic headache treatment can produce immediate help for headache pain, as well as long-term solutions. The study evaluated a range of previous research, including comparisons of chiropractic headache treatment with massage and placebos. The study concluded that chiropractic is an effective alternative to drugs for people suffering from headaches of several kinds.
Chiropractic care also produced fewer side effects than pain medications in the studies reviewed. The researchers determined that chiropractic care is effective for headaches and particularly recommended it for pregnant and nursing women, other people who should not take pain medication, and for those who prefer not to rely on pills.
As a member of the American Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Whitelaw is prepared to create an individual treatment plan for your headaches. Call Millennium Chiropractic at (479) 571-8400 to set up an appointment.