If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of
ten Americans 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? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie
down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There
is a better alternative.
New research shows that spinal manipulation – the primary
form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic, massage and rehabilitation therapists
– may be an effective treatment option for tension
headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.

Icyball or Thermalball products used cold can reduce inflammation when applied directly to the head or behind the neck.  The reduction in swelling not only reduces headache pain, but can provide a refreshing, stimulating and energetic effect.

Researchers at the Duke
University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham,
NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost
immediate improvement for those headaches that originate
in the neck, and had significantly fewer side
effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type
headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Headache Triggers
Headaches have many causes, or “triggers.” These
may include foods, environmental stimuli (noises,
lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviors (insomnia, excessive
exercise, blood sugar changes, etc.). About 5 percent
of all headaches are warning signals caused by
physical problems.
Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary
headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster
headaches. These types of headaches are not caused
by disease. The headache itself is the primary concern.
“The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated
with muscle tension in the neck,” says Dr.
George B. McClelland, a doctor of chiropractic from
Christiansburg, VA. “Today, Americans engage in more
sedentary activities than they used to, and more hours
are spent in one fixed position or posture. This can
increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck,
upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache.”

What Can You Do?

• If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed
position, such as in front of a computer, on a
sewing machine, typing or reading, take a
break and stretch every 30 minutes to one
hour. The stretches should take your head and
neck through a comfortable range of motion.
• Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain
associated with primary headaches. However, if
you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches,
avoid heavy exercise. Engage in such activities
as walking and low-impact aerobics.
• Avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should
never touch the lowers, except when swallowing.
This results in stress at the temporomandibular
joints (TMJ) – the two joints that
connect your jaw to your skull – leading to TMJ
irritation and a form of tension headaches.
• Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a
day to help avoid dehydration, which can lead
to headaches.