Headache Treatment
Understanding Tension, Migraine, and Cluster Headaches
If you get headaches, you’re not alone. Most people have them at some point. Some headaches happen once in a while. Others happen often. Some feel like a dull ache, while others can throb, cause nausea, or make it hard to handle light and noise.
When you get a bad headache, what do you do? Lie down? Take medicine? Try to push through the pain? There may be other ways to help.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Research shows that spinal manipulation (gentle adjustments to the spine done by a chiropractor) may help treat certain types of headaches, especially:
- Tension headaches
- Headaches that start in the neck
In 2001, researchers at Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center found that spinal manipulation helped people with neck-related headaches feel better almost right away. It also caused fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief than a commonly prescribed medication.
Another study published in 1995 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic treatment helped people with tension headaches. Even after stopping treatment after four weeks, many people continued to feel better.
What Causes Headaches?
To treat a headache, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. Headaches can have many “triggers,” such as:
- Certain foods
- Bright lights or loud noises
- Stress
- Not getting enough sleep
- Changes in blood sugar
- Too much physical activity
About 95% of headaches are called primary headaches. These include tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. They are not caused by a disease — the headache itself is the main problem.
Many primary headaches are linked to tight muscles in the neck. Dr. George B. McClelland of the American Chiropractic Association explains that today many people sit for long periods — at computers, phones, or desks. Sitting in one position too long can strain the muscles and joints in the neck and upper back, which can lead to head pain.
What Can You Do to Help Prevent Headaches?
The American Chiropractic Association suggests:
1. Take movement breaks.
If you sit for long periods (like at a computer or reading), stand up and gently stretch every 30–60 minutes. Move your head and neck in comfortable directions.
2. Try light exercise.
Walking or low-impact aerobics may help. If heavy exercise triggers your headaches, stick to gentler activities.
3. Avoid clenching your teeth.
Your top and bottom teeth should only touch when you swallow. Clenching can strain your jaw joints (called TMJ) and lead to tension headaches.
4. Drink enough water.
Aim for about eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause headaches.
5. Watch for food triggers.
Some people may need to avoid:
- Caffeine (found in coffee, soda, chocolate, and cocoa)
- Very salty or sugary foods
- Alcohol
- Certain high-protein or dairy foods (for some people)
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
If you have frequent headaches, a chiropractor may:
- Perform gentle spinal adjustments to improve movement and reduce stress on your body
- Give advice about posture and how you sit or stand during daily activities
- Suggest exercises and relaxation techniques
- Offer basic nutrition advice
Chiropractors are trained to examine the whole body, especially the spine, muscles, and nervous system. If your headache seems to be caused by a different medical condition, they can refer you to the right specialist.
The Bottom Line
Headaches are common, but you don’t have to just live with them. Understanding your triggers, improving your posture, staying active, and seeking the right care can help you feel better and prevent future headaches.
