With nine out of ten Americans suffering from headaches, you are not alone if you experience one. Some headaches are occasional, dull and throbbing while others cause debilitating pain and nausea on a regular basis. When someone experiences an unbearable headache they may often take aspirin or other medicine and hoping the pain goes away.

Chiropractic care for treatment of headaches has been proven to be a better alternative than aspirin or other pain medicines. Research suggests that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment option for headaches that originate in the neck and tension headaches.

Headache Causes

There are many causes when it comes to headaches and many may include various types of food, environmental stimuli and behaviors such as insomnia and excessive exercise. Approximately five percent of all headaches are warning signals caused by physical problems and 95% are primary headaches which include, tension, migraine, or cluster headaches.

Common causes of headaches and migraines include:
Stress
Drinking alcohol
Too much sleep or not enough sleep
Hormonal changes
Smoking
Straining your eyes reading or sitting at a computer
A difference in your caffeine intake
Exposure to intense bright lights, loud sounds or overpowering smells

The American Chiropractic Association suggests that if you spend a lot of time in one fixed position such as in front of a computer or reading, it is important to take a break and stretch every 30 minutes to an hour. By taking a break and stretching or walking around, you are able to keep your body moving, especially your head and neck. Your stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion.

Additionally, avoid teeth clenching because this can result in putting added stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which can lead to TMJ irritation and the formation of tension headaches. Avoid dehydration by drinking at least eight once glasses of water a day. Dehydration can lead to headaches, which makes it even more important to drink the recommended amount of water every day.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

If you are exhibiting headaches a trip to your chiropractor may be the best choice in relieving your pain. Your chiropractor can perform spinal manipulation or adjustments that are used to improve spinal function. This will also help to alleviate the stress on your system.

Additionally, your chiropractor can provide nutritional advice by recommending a change in diet and even an addition of B complex vitamins. Posture is also a key factor in preventing pain in your body. Your chiropractor can offer advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises and relaxation techniques. Advice on posture can help to relieve recurring joint irritation and tension in the muscles of your neck and upper back- all natural alternatives to over-the-counter pain medications.

Chronic headaches can interrupt your daily routine and prevent you from completing your tasks. With help from your North Miami Beach chiropractor, headache relief is within reach. Consult your chiropractor if you suffer from headaches and cannot alleviate your pain.