What Causes Headaches and Migraines and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Notably, a staggering 3.1 billion people globally suffer from headache disorders, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Most migraines account for a significant portion of these cases, showing higher prevalence among women and certain demographic groups. 

Headaches and migraines can profoundly affect daily life, causing personal suffering, financial strain, and disruptions in relationships and work. This blog tackles what causes headaches and migraines and how experienced chiropractic care like Total Wellness Center can help.

Understanding the Causes and Triggers of Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines may feel similar but often stem from different causes. Recognizing what triggers each type is the first step toward lasting relief. Certain lifestyle or dietary factors can trigger headaches, setting off both headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals.

Many headaches, particularly tension-type headaches, are linked to physical and lifestyle factors:

• Muscle Tension: Stress or overuse of neck and shoulder muscles can lead to tightness that triggers pain.
• Poor Posture: Slouching at a desk or looking down at screens all day strains the neck and upper back.
• Spinal Joint Dysfunction: Abnormal spinal mechanics in the neck and upper back strain muscles and nerves, contributing to recurring headaches.

Meanwhile, migraines are more complex and often associated with neurological or chemical imbalances in the body. They occur either rarely or multiple times a month and are usually influenced by triggers such as the following:

• Neurological Triggers: Brain activity or nerve signaling changes can initiate migraine episodes.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in estrogen levels, particularly in women, can spark migraines.
• Vascular Factors: High blood pressure may also contribute to the onset of migraines in some individuals.
• Environmental and Dietary Factors: Bright lights, strong smells, dehydration, or certain foods may trigger migraine attacks. 

Beyond specific triggers, conditions like sleep disorders (such as insomnia or other sleep disturbances) and bipolar disorder are common comorbidities. These can influence the severity and management of both headaches and migraines.

Identifying your personal migraine trigger is crucial to help prevent attacks. Fortunately, approaches like chiropractic care offer a powerful path toward reducing both headache and migraine frequency and severity, optimizing spinal health. 

How Chiropractic Care Helps Headache Pain and Migraine Sufferers

Many people wonder about what causes headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free solution to address these root issues. 

Chiropractic care addresses the underlying issues, not just the symptoms, offering long-term headache and migraine relief without medication or invasive procedures. 

When to Consider Chiropractic Care for Chronic Migraine and Headaches

If headaches are becoming a regular struggle, some telltale signs might mean chiropractic care for headache and migraine treatment is worth exploring.

• Neck pain, stiffness, or a stiff neck that accompanies headaches may indicate a need for chiropractic evaluation
• Noticeable posture issues, especially from prolonged sitting or screen use
• Chronic muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
• Preference for drug-free, non-invasive treatments

Taking the Next Step With Chiropractic Care

Taking the first step towards a life with fewer headaches starts here. A chiropractor trained in headache and migraine care offers a comprehensive approach beyond symptom management to address underlying causes.

During your initial consultation, the chiropractor usually reviews your health history, assesses your spine and posture, and asks about your headache patterns. From there, you'll receive a diagnosis and a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. 

Early intervention helps prevent headaches from becoming chronic or debilitating.

Takeaway

Understanding what causes headaches and migraines is key to finding the proper treatment. Rather than masking the symptoms, an effective approach addresses the underlying issues. Chiropractic care, for instance, targets posture, tension, and alignment to offer lasting relief.

When your head is not in a good place, your whole day feels off. With Total Wellness Center's help, you can steer things back into alignment. Experience personalized chiropractic care with Dr. Holly Geersen and take the first step toward a more comfortable, pain-free life. 

Book your consultation now.