Chiropractor for headaches

What causes headaches and migraines?

Headaches are a common complaint that we see on a daily basis in our practice. Headaches can arise from a wide variety of stressors which include:

1) Physical stress (eg: falls, lifting)

2) Chemical stress (eg: medication, foods)

3) Emotional stress (eg: stressful environment – work/home)

These stressors over time may cause a dysfunctional joint (vertebral subluxation) and nerve irritation within the cervical spine, resulting in inflammation and muscles spasm around the neck. Headaches are a common symptom when the neck is not functioning correctly.

Common headache types we care for in our Dandenong practice:

Cervicogenic Headache:

These headaches originate from a disorder in the cervical spine (neck) and are experienced as pain at the base of the skull, radiating down the neck, back, between the shoulder blades and into the face. Any damage to the joints, ligaments and tissues in the neck may result in cervicogenic headache.

Migraine Headache:

Migraine headaches affect millions of Australians each year, and are more common in women than men. Migraine symptoms are generally an intense throbbing headache frequently associated with a sensitivity to light or sound. Many of those who suffer from migraines will also experience a visual change known as an aura, prior to the onset of the migraine. Migraines are often associated with a trigger. These could include a lack of sleep, stress, flickering lights, altered hormone levels and certain foods.

Tension-type Headache:

Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headaches affecting around 75% of all headache sufferers. They are often described as a dull, aching head pain or the sensation of a tight band around the front or sides of the head. Tension headaches have a number of potential causes including poor posture, muscle spasms, allergies, stress and poor spinal alignment.

Research has found that those with headaches originating in the neck, experience improvement following spinal adjustment with far fewer side effects and longer lasting relief than prescription and over the counter medication.

How Dandenong’s Sims & Finn Chiropractic can relieve headache and migraine:

After a thorough examination, the Chiropractor will identify the primary source of your headaches or migraines and create an individualised management plan which may include Chiropractic adjustments, myofascial release and a specific exercise program.

Using these techniques will enable us to work with you to strengthen and stabilise your spine, which will allow you to function at your best.

If you’re experiencing headaches and/or migraines, speak to your Chiropractor and find out how Chiropractic care may be able to help you!

References

Haavik Taylor H and Murphy B. (2007). World Federation of Chiropractic’s 9th Biennial Congress Award Winning Paper (3rd Prize): Altered sensorimotor integration with cervical spine manipulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, in press.

Gert Bronfort; Willem J.J. Assendelft; Roni Evans; Mitchell Haas; LexBouter (2001). Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: A systematic review

We are excited to have you as a patient at Sims & Finn Chiropractic

Our goal is to assess you thoroughly to determine if you have a structural shift in your spine causing secondary condition (symptoms).
We then explain and provide you with care options. We customise a plan of care for you, taking into consideration your age, health and lifestyle factors.
Once we have worked together to create the necessary health improvements, we will assist you in choices to maintain the corrections you have achieved.

All major health funds accepted

Please contact us if your health fund is not listed below