San Jose Chiropractor Tension Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common health problems responsible for millions of lost work days and medical costs each year. Muscle tension headaches and migraines account for a huge drug market with these medications possibly contributing to numerous side effects and additional health problems. Mission Chiropractic chiropractors in San Jose offer natural treatments that focus on correcting the nerves, muscles and bones of the body with chiropractic care that promotes overall wellness and improved quality of life.

Causes of Headaches Due to Muscle Tension

Headaches may be due to a wide variety of conditions that include joint dysfunction, neck muscle tension, low blood sugar, stress, fatigue and many more related conditions. San Jose chiropractors provide full assessments and design customized treatments for all types of headache related issues including:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common and are due to imbalances in the upper back and neck. Top vertebrae may loosen from a normal position and affect tendons at the base of the skull causing pain. A lifestyle or career that requires remaining seated in one position for long periods of time can contribute to persistent problems with tension headaches.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are characterized by intense throbbing pain and are traced to a constriction in the blood vessels of the brain that alternates with dilation. This process produces a rapid increase in blood pressure in the head and results in acute pain. Mission Chiropractic chiropractors gear adjustments to the proper alignment of upper body nerves, joints and ligaments to relieve migraine pain as well as providing diet and nutritional recommendations as part of a complete chiropractic care plan.

Headache Trigger Points

Chiropractic care for tension headaches can also incorporate trigger point therapy techniques that involve a series of muscle groups at the root of chronic headache pain. Treatment is focussed on the first cervical vertebrae, the base of the skull and several surrounding muscle groups that contribute to headache pain. Careful evaluations and personalized treatments are designed to manage pain and help to eliminate headaches before they occur.

How Can a Chiropractor Help with Muscle Tension Headaches?

Mission Chiropractic chiropractors begin with a full examination of the spinal column to identify whether headache pain is the result of misaligned vertebrae in the spine and chiropractic adjustments that can offer immediate relief to patients.Studies have revealed that, more than 85% of females and 50% of male patients who received chiropractic care for migraine headaches, experienced improvement following a series of treatments tailored to their precise headache symptoms as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Headache Prevention Tips

Often related to certain foods or exposure to certain types of sound and light, keeping a ‘headache diary’ can help you to recognize patterns and avoid triggers.

Stress and anxiety are closely linked to tension headaches. Regular practice of stress management techniques can help reduce pain and frequency.

Foods that contain MSG (present in many packaged foods) and tyramine (found in ripened cheeses and chocolate) should be avoided as part of an overall nutritional plan geared toward managing tension headaches.