Headaches: Are They Really Just All in Your Head

Do we get headaches because we were born without Tylenol glands, or is it because God forgot to add enough Excedrin? Is the real issue the pain, or is it the underlying cause? There is no doubt that the pain is important to the person experiencing it. It could be the thief of one’s enjoyment of life or ability to make it through a single day out of bed! It is also the signal that an imbalance exists. It is an alarm going off! Would you cut the wires of your fire alarm if it went off, or would you put out the fire?! Many headache sufferers do not realize that there is a serious alarm going off and solutions exist beyond the temporary suppression of pain. I do not condemn taking medication as a last resort, however the need for drugs is eliminated once the cause of the headache has been removed. The chiropractic focus is on correcting the underlying cause, not merely masking important symptoms with drugs.
 
Headaches may have many underlying causes including dehydration, muscle tension/stress, allergies and poor eating habits just to name a few. However, according to orthopedist Ruth Jackson, 80% of all headaches are caused by problems in the neck.  Chiropractors agree, and we find that headaches are caused mainly by misalignments (called subluxations) of the spinal bones that interfere with nerve and spinal function.  Subluxations are caused primarily by the wear and tear of everyday life… sitting in front of a TV or computer, lifting and carrying, bumps, jolts, falls, incorrect posture or poor sleeping habits.  It is also common to start having headaches in the days, months or years following a head injury or car accident.
 
From tension headaches to migraines, patients have witnessed the effectiveness of the chiropractic adjustment in restoring structural and neurological balance. Scientific literature also reflects the same. Patients tend to find relief within weeks or days, if not instantly.
 
Here is a typical case:  Hope started having severe headaches after sitting in front of a computer at work. The pain was severe, and she often took medication to make it through the day. She was concerned about taking drugs regularly and wanted to know what was really wrong. She was becoming depressed.  Upon examination, Hope had tenderness at the base of her skull. She was able to look farther to the right than left, and chiropractic analysis revealed subluxations in her upper and lower neck regions.  A computerized muscle study revealed imbalances and excessive muscle activity in her neck and upper-back.  X-rays showed a moderate loss of the normal curvature. She was placed on a program consisting of spinal adjustments to restore proper nerve function and mechanics. After eight adjustments, her headaches were 70% less severe and occurred less often. She no longer took any medications. Following another six weeks of care, her headaches were gone. She had more energy and a new outlook on life. 
 
Before continuing to act as if headaches are caused by an aspirin deficiency, one should consult a doctor of chiropractic. The chiropractor will be able to determine if it is a case requiring chiropractic care. Freedom from headaches can be achieved by looking for the underlying cause.  After all, it may not just be all in your head!
 
Dr. Scott E. Rosenthal is a dedicated expert in the field of health and wellness.  He is a Doctor of Chiropractic, has a B.S. in Nutrition and is a Registered Yoga Teacher.  In addition to practicing in Wilmington, DE, Dr. Rosenthal writes and speaks regularly to help people live happier, healthier lives.  His entertaining presentations are filled with easy-to-use strategies.  To contact Dr. Rosenthal, call 302-999-0633 or visit RosenthalChiropractic.com