Chronic Headache Sufferers Use Spinal Manipulation Treatments
When you hear about spinal manipulation treatment, it’s likely many people think of it as care for an aching back. But you might be surprised to learn that it’s often used to treat headaches. People who suffer from chronic headaches, like migraines can benefit from spinal manipulation according to several scientific studies. At Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve pain relief, wherever it might occur. If you are a chronic headache sufferer, we want you to know that you may be able to find relief with chiropractic care. So we want to give you some information about the relationship between spinal manipulation and chronic headaches to help you decide if this treatment is right for you.
The Basics of Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation involves moving and managing joints. Your doctor uses his hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint, according to the website Healthline. Patients often hear popping noises, similar to what you might hear when you crack your knuckles. Spinal manipulation is designed to reduce inflammation of joints and reduce and relieve pain.
Spinal Manipulation is Effective Against Chronic Headache
One landmark study connecting spinal manipulation and headache relief was conducted by researchers at Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minnesota. They took 150 headache patients between the ages of 18 and 70 and divided them into two groups. One group received six weeks of chiropractic treatment for their condition, while the other group received pharmaceutical treatment. They received amitriptyline, a drug that is prescribed to migraine patients. Although the drug was slightly more effective than the spinal manipulation, there were more side effects with the medication. In fact, the benefits of receiving the drug went away after the treatment ended. The group that received spinal manipulation reported that they continued to receive therapeutic benefits four weeks after the cessation of treatment.
“The sustained therapeutic benefit associated with spinal manipulation seemed to result in a decreased need for over-the-counter medication,” the researchers wrote.
A 2010 study in the Spine Journal also looked at the effectiveness of spinal manipulation as a headache treatment. The researchers looked at 80 patients and divided them into two groups. One group received spinal manipulation treatment, while the other group received light massage. The results showed that the spinal manipulation group saw a significant amount of pain reduction in comparison to the other group. The researchers also found that spinal manipulation in moderate doses is a viable option for the treatment of severe headaches.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, (ACA), a 2011 Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves a migraine and cervicogenic headaches. This is because most headaches are triggered in the neck area, according to ACA.
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness Can Help Relieve Pain
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness offers spinal manipulation and other chiropractic care to help our patients find pain management. In addition to headaches, we help people who suffer from back pain, neck pain, as well as those who’ve been injured from sports or were hurt in a car accident. We know how difficult it is to live with chronic headache pain and we’d like to help. Why continue to feel so much pain? Contact us today.
Please note that the author of this piece is not a doctor and the information in this material is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific information regarding your individual situation.
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