Around 50% of the population suffers with at least one headache every year. Many suffer with more than 1 headache per month. Nervous system imbalances are the major cause of headaches. When treating headaches it’s important to find the cause of the different types of headache you might be suffering from: migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, sinus headaches and rebound headaches are the most common. These are named mostly based on symptoms but the majority are cervicogenic meaning they stem from the neck.
Tension headaches, or stress headaches, affect from 30 to 80% of the general population. These headaches are the
most common type suffered by adolescents. They are mild to moderate band like pressure across the head that can last from 30 minutes to all day long. Poor posture, inadequate sleep and emotional or mental stress are common causes. Women are more than twice as likely to suffer with these than men. The effects of these headaches many times impact a person’s regular daily activities.
Studies have been done to find the best ways of treating tension headaches since they impact so many people. The European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine published an article this year to test the benefits of manual therapy for tension headaches.
76 patients (62 which were women) between 18 and 65 years old were placed into 4 groups of treatment: suboccipital inhibitory pressure, chiropractic adjustments, a combination of the two treatments and a control. Quality of life was assesed before and after the 4 weeks of treatment. Chiropractic showed it can be a great treatment for natural relief of tension headaches.
Our Chiropractor in Freehold has been helping patients with headaches for the last 18 years. Using gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, biofeedback stress reduction therapy and nutritional recommendations, we continue to help people start living and enjoying life again.