If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceutical concoctions designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.
A Pill Free Treatment to Headaches
In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country who have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical, as well as other types of pain, is chiropractic.
This form of alternative care has been used successfully for over a hundred years and has become a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. In fact, there are an increasing number of insurance providers that are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.
When a person goes to school to learn about chiropractic, they begin by studying the human anatomy in great detail, just like other medical professionals. However, in addition to looking at how all of the parts work together physically, their training primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments in the spine known as subluxations.
Subluxation - sub•lux•a•tion noun a partial dislocation - a slight misalignment of the vertabrea, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems.
Theses subluxations compress nerve tissue that affects organ function, soft tissue like muscle, ligaments and tendons and can eventually manifest as other health problems if not treated.
Once the nerves are disrupted pain will result. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits.
What Happen at My First Chiropractic Visit?
On your first visit with a chiropractor, a review of previous health issues will be completed, including x-rays (if needed) to determine what types of nerve blockage may be occurring. Your chiropractor will listen to you attentively and make an assessment, including determining what types of treatment will best suit your individual needs.
In the case of headaches, you may have misalignment (subluxations) in your cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are unduly tight in your neck, shoulders and nearby areas. Pressure on the nerves may cause sharp stabbing pains or there may be a continual dull throb throughout your neck, head and shoulders.
Your chiropractor will assess the area and then move forward with treatment known as a chiropractic adjustment in order to relieve the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.
However, chiropractors don’t just focus on relieving symptoms but rather correcting the problem; therefore, additional treatments will follow to help correct the cause. In addition, the chiropractor will take the time to educate you on the importance of chiropractic, especially if you’ve never been to one before.
If you need further help with your headaches or are ready to see how beneficial chiropractic care can be to your overall health, please click the button below to give us a call. Dr. Davis has over 28 years experience in chiropractic care and medical massage. Her office is located in North Scottsdale and she's ready to help you today.