Headaches and Migraines

butyoudontlooksick.com

Chiropractic aids in alleviating headaches and migraines.

If you have a headache or migraine, you're not alone. Nine out of ten Canadians suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache or migraine? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative. Research studies show that chiropractic spinal adjustments - the primary form of care provided by Doctors of Chiropractic - may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck, face or jaw.

It is advised to have a biomechanical exam to determine the cause of your headaches or migraines. After this exam, Dr. Barbara Rodwin will often adjust these regions. Recommendations  such as  massage, food testing, supplements, changes to sleeping positions, proper pillows, ergonomic changes, mouth guards, x-rays, neurological consult, stretching and strengthening the involved areas, may also be suggested. Headaches or migraines are often caused by many factors combined and these all need to be addressed to help resolve the issues.

HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES ARE MULTI-FACTORIAL. THEY CAN ORIGINATE IN THE JAW, FACE, NECK AND SHOULDERS. 

Nutritional Supplements for Headaches and Migraines


Dr. Barbara Rodwin will determine from nutritional analysis if nutritional supplements are required to aid a patient in alleviating their headaches &/or migraines.

Some of the nutritional supplements that Dr. Rodwin may suggest are: magnesium, fish oil, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, Vitamins B, C, D, and E. A Daily Food Analysis is completed to determine the deficiencies. 

Food Sensitivities:
Also, foods can trigger headaches and migraines. Dr. Rodwin may suggest testing for this. 

Massage therapy for headaches and migraines

Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles contribute to headaches

Massage therapy is very effective in reducing the trigger points (knots) in the muscles that are involved with headaches and migraines. Tension builds in our bodies every day due to stress; positions we put ourselves into when we work, sleep and perform everyday activities; from old injuries/accidents and falls. This tension causes the muscles to shorten and build up these knots. Massage on these areas can aid in resolving the knots. Also the Active Release Technique is effective to reduce these adhesions.  After a massage the joints of the spine often need to be addressed as well to restore the alignment to the vertebrae that are pinching the nerves which cause the headaches/migraines. Ask your massage therapist about this.

CATS (cranial adjusting) technique for headaches/migraines

The cranium or bones of the skull can go out of alignment when we undergo a vigorous shake, bang your head on a trunk or shelf, whiplash, and fall and hit our heads. Dr. Barbara Rodwin can evaluate the motion and condition of these skull bones. If there is a bump, or other changes to these skull bones Dr. Rodwin can adjust them to aid in resolving the headaches and migraines.

Ask for your skull or head to be examined!

Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines       

                 

Clinical research indicates that acupuncture is very effective for headache/migraine sufferers. In a study published in the issue of Cephalalgia, scientists evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of migraines and recurrent headaches by systematically reviewing 22 randomized controlled trials. A total of 1,042 patients were examined. It was found that headache and migraine sufferers experienced significantly more relief from acupuncture than patients who were administered "sham" acupuncture.  

In another study, published in the June 2003 Issue of Medical Acupuncture, doctors found that acupuncture resulted in the resolution or reduction in the frequency and severity of cluster headaches, and a decrease or discontinuation of medications. It was concluded that Acupuncture can be used to provide sustained relief from cluster headaches and to stimulate adrenal cortisol to aid in discontinuing corticosteroids.