Headaches and Chiropractic
Headaches and Chiropractic
If you have a headache, you are not alone.
Based on studies summarised below, we can expect the following statistics in Australia
- 4.9 million Australians experience migraine (Migraine in Australia Whitepaper, Deloitte Access Economics Report, 2018).
- prevalence of migraine increases from 12 years to about 40 years and declines thereafter in both sexes.
- 23% of households contain at least one person who has migraine.
- up to seven million tension-type headache sufferers (36% for men and 42% for women[1]).
- nearly all those with migraine and 60% of those with tension-type headache experience reductions in social activities and work capacity.
- the direct and indirect costs of migraine alone would be about $35.7 billion pa (Migraine in Australia, Deloitte Access Economics Report, 2018).
How do we treat these headaches?
Research has also shown that spinal manipulation – one of the primary treatments performed by a Chiropractor – may be an effective option for tension headaches.
In a recent systematic review released by Giacalone, Febbi & Magnifica et al, ( April 2020) “Cervical manipulations are effective in management of cervicalgia, epicondylalgia, temporomandibular joint disorders and shoulder pain.”. *
Treating Headache Triggers
Very often headaches build up over time and there can be multiple triggers. There include food, environmental and internal triggers. These triggers may include altered biomechanics or joint dysfunction, especially from the neck.
The majority of primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. These are not caused by any disease process.
The greatest majority of these headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck. A big contributing factor is a sedentary lifestyle (especially hours behind the computer) that changes may irritate the neck joints and muscles.
What can I do?
Firstly, reduce the time you are sitting in one position. Getting up every 30-45 min can greatly reduce the tension on the body.
Perform some form of exercise that is opposite to what you do during the day. This can be stretching of the muscles or even specific exercise programs.
What would a Chiropractor do?
This can vary from practitioner to practitioner.
Here at Silky Oak Chiropractic I would start with a comprehensive history and examination. This will help determine where it is coming from.
Treatment would include Spinal Manipulation and soft tissue / muscle treatment. Other techniques such as dry needling, stretching and others may also be used.
If you are suffering from headaches, why not consider making an appointment.
MEET DR JAN JONES – CHIROPRACTOR
Dr Jan Jones Chiropractor
I am passionate about helping people to live a healthier and happier life. If your body is not functioning like it should, it may prevent you from living out your purpose and do what you want to do. This is why I do what I do.
Originally from South Africa and now an Australian Citizen, I have almost 20 years of clinical experience in various clinical settings.
My goal is to help people get out of pain and to maintain it form there.
I believe that everyone deserves personalised care:
– you may want specific care for yourself
– a parent wanting the best for your kids
– an employer wanting the best for your staff
What I Help With? – Patients seek my care for a number of reasons – ranging from pain relief to achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Results I Get? – Ultimately, care is tailored towards your goals and the treatments may help patients move, feel and function better.
Who Can Benefit? – I work with people of every age, from tiny babies to vibrant 80 year olds.
My approach is patient-centred and designed around your health and well-being goals. If I can’t help, I will gladly refer you to someone who can.
I use a range of different techniques and I am always learning, keeping up to date with the latest information.
