Headaches can be a real pain, literally. Whether it’s a dull ache that lingers all day or a throbbing migraine that stops you in your tracks, headaches can disrupt your life. Headaches not only affect you physically but also can derail focus and productivity, causing mental stress.
At our Overland Park chiropractic clinic, we use natural, hands-on methods to address the root causes of headaches and help you find lasting relief.
In this post, we go over:
- The types of headaches a chiropractor can treat
- How chiropractic techniques can help minimize headaches
- Practical chiropractic tips to reduce headaches at home
- And more
Let’s get to it.
Common Types of Headaches
Headaches come in different forms, each with unique triggers and symptoms.
Here’s a look at four common headache types your chiropractor can treat:
- Tension headaches: These are the most common type, often feeling like a tight band around the head. Stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can trigger them. They’re usually mild to moderate but can be persistent.
- Migraines: Intense and debilitating, migraines often come with nausea, light sensitivity, and throbbing pain on one side of the head. Triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods can set them off, making it difficult to enjoy your day.
- Cervicogenic headaches: These start in the neck and radiate to the head, often caused by poor posture, whiplash, or spinal misalignments. If you’ve been in a fender bender on I-435 or spend hours looking down at your phone, this might be your culprit.
- Sinus headaches: These cause pain around the forehead, cheeks, or eyes, often tied to sinus infections or allergies. Kansas humidity and pollen can exacerbate these conditions, especially during the spring.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Control Headaches
Our Overland Park chiropractic clinic employs a range of natural techniques to address the root causes of headaches, rather than merely masking the symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments or Manipulations
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations help by realigning the spine, particularly in the neck. Adjustments reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension that contribute to headaches. For example, a cervicogenic headache caused by a misaligned neck can often be alleviated with a few precise adjustments.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio taping is an elastic tape that supports muscles and joints without restricting movement. Applied to the neck or shoulders, it can help reduce tension headaches by improving circulation and easing muscle strain from prolonged periods at a desk.
Dry Needling
This technique involves inserting thin needles into trigger points (points of muscle pain) to release tension. For tension headaches or migraines, dry needling in the upper back or neck can provide quick relief by relaxing tight muscles.
Graston, FAKTR, & IASTM
Graston, FAKTR, and IASTM are soft tissue therapies that use specialized tools to break up scar tissue and improve blood flow. They’re especially effective for tension or cervicogenic headaches caused by tight neck muscles or old injuries that generate chronic pain.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Tailored rehab exercises strengthen and stretch the neck and shoulder muscles, improving posture and helping to prevent headache triggers. For instance, a simple neck stretch can help someone with cervicogenic headaches stay pain-free during a busy day.
Cupping Therapy
Suction cups placed on the skin increase blood flow and relax muscles. Cupping therapy can reduce the intensity of tension headaches or sinus headaches by relieving pressure in the upper back and neck.
4 Natural Tips to Reduce Headaches at Home
While professional chiropractic care is key, you can take safe, natural steps at home to manage headaches.
Tips to keep headache-free:
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common headache trigger. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily. Pro tip: Keep a bottle of water on your desk or near you as you work to encourage regular hydration.
- Practice good posture: Sit up straight and adjust your desk setup to avoid slouching. A quick posture check can make a big difference. Pro tip: Set a timer to remind yourself to correct your posture and do so until it becomes a healthy habit.
- Manage stress: Try deep breathing or a short meditation session to ease stress-related tension headaches. Even a 5-minute break from a stressful situation can help. Pro tip: Incorporate mindful exercises, such as yoga, into your routine regularly.
- Limit screen time: Staring at screens can strain your eyes and neck, triggering headaches. Take breaks every 30 minutes and look away to give your eyes a rest. Pro tip: Stop doom scrolling, mental and emotional negativity can create stress and cause headaches.
Work with Our Overland Park Chiropractic Clinic for Lasting Headache Relief
Our Overland Park headache chiropractor is dedicated to helping you live headache-free. Utilizing a personalized approach targets the root causes of your headaches, whether it’s a misaligned spine, tight muscles, poor posture, or anything in between.
If you’ve been picturing a pain-free day exploring the Overland Park Farmers’ Market or cheering at a local soccer game without a headache holding you back, it’s within reach.
Schedule an appointment with our experienced Overland Park chiropractic clinic today. Let’s start your journey to lasting relief so you can rediscover the joy of living comfortably and confidently.
