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Over 35 million Americans suffer from headaches and migraines. Those who regularly experience headaches and migraines are all too familiar with the negative effects that this pain can have on their lifestyle and overall well-being.

Headaches and migraines are painful sensations that occur in the face or head. Headaches may not have any underlying cause, or they could be caused by blood vessels, muscles, nerve disorders, concussions, head injuries, dehydration, overuse of alcohol or prescription medicine, or structural abnormalities of the head, neck, or spine. Migraines on the other hand, can be described as more intense headaches, which can be accompanied by a slew of other symptoms and can have warning signs before their onset. Migraines are typically caused by factors such as alcohol, caffeine, dairy, dehydration, hormonal changes, low blood glucose, overexertion, poor posture, medication, strong smells, or muscle tension in the shoulders or neck. Symptoms may include:

  • Sensitivity to light and/ or sound
  • Nausea
  • Seeing spots or flashing lights
  • Temporary vision loss
  • Compromised balance
  • Vomiting

People often turn to over-the-counter pain medication or other prescriptions to help ease the discomfort of their headaches or migraines. Many people may not know that these temporary solutions can actually worsen the symptoms of headaches and migraines in the future and cause a “rebound headache.” Rebound headaches are a persistent aching pain that arises daily and can become even more painful with the use of medication. To avoid any additional discomfort and prolonged headaches, addressing the source of the headaches and migraines is recommended.

At Total Health, we offer alternative solutions that have long-lasting results without the negative side effects or risk of additional pain. We offer a variety of services to uniquely approach each individual’s concerns and ensure their symptoms are managed and their lifestyle goals are met. Treatment may include a combination of Acupuncture, Botox for Chronic Migraines, Chiropractic Care, Laser Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Spinal Decompression.

How can Acupuncture help with headaches and migraines?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that balances the body’s “qi” or energy levels. A session consists of inserting tiny needles into the skin to create painless microtraumas that triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It is often used to treat migraines and headaches, and can even reduce the frequency of them. Acupuncture releases muscle tension, which can contribute to more severe pain responses and more frequent headaches and migraines. A few acupuncture sessions weekly for 5 to 10 weeks can significantly improve migraine and headache symptoms.

How can Botox help with headaches and migraines?

Botox is not exclusively used for cosmetic purposes- it is also an FDA approved treatment for headaches and migraines! Botox provides a quick and safe way to relieve symptoms of chronic headaches and migraines by blocking neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to the brain. The procedure only takes 15 minutes and is recommended once every three months. To treat migraines and headaches, Botox is injected in the top of your forehead, in the sides of your head above your ears, in the back of your head, and in your shoulders. It is especially useful in reducing the symptoms that coincide with migraines, such as light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. Botox offers a low risk, quick, and easy solution to help you get back to living a pain free life.

How can Chiropractic Care help with headaches and migraines?

Chiropractic Care improves the alignment of your spine to improve overall function and alleviate stress on the nervous system. This leads to an overall reduction of tension and stress in the body that typically manifests into headaches or migraines. About 90% of headaches are classified as tension headaches, making chiropractic care an effective treatment in preventing the onset of these kinds of headaches. This method targets neck and back pain as well as inflammation and blood flow which are often the cause of headaches and migraines. While other treatments may work to reduce symptoms, chiropractic care works to get rid of the root cause and problem altogether.

How can Laser Therapy help with headaches and migraines?

Laser Therapy is a noninvasive procedure that offers pain relief and helps alleviate the cooccurring symptoms caused by headaches and migraines. Laser therapy utilizes red light to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the treated area. This then stimulates a healing response in order to treat a variety of headache and migraine causes such as TMJ, injury, muscle tension, joint disorders, and more. It works by improving cell function and producing serotonin causing your body to release more opioids or pain-relieving chemicals. Many patients find laser therapy to be successful in treating their migraines due to the anti-inflammatory properties. Migraines are associated with excessive inflammation in the blood vessels surrounding the brain, and laser therapy is traditionally known for treating inflammation within the body.

How can Physical Therapy help with headaches and migraines?

Physical Therapy can also be used to treat headaches and migraines. Common causes of headaches and migraines like muscle tightness, poor posture, and lack of neck motion can be treated with physical therapy. Increasing mobility and strengthening the muscles of the back and neck can significantly reduce the number of headaches and migraines that may plague a patient. Treatment may consist of heat or ice, soft tissue mobilization, neck stretches, muscular releases, and cervical traction. Physical therapy creates musculoskeletal discomfort that fixes current pain and symptoms and helps prevent the onset of headaches and migraines in the future.

How can Spinal Decompression help with headaches and migraines?

Spinal Decompression stretches the spine using a motorized table that gently slides up and down to relieve pressure in the back. This pain-free method reduces headaches and migraines by increasing the space in between spinal discs. When the discs are too close together, the nerves in the area can become pinched and irritated. This can lead to headaches and migraines. The decompression process consists of intervals of stretching and relaxing the spine to heal and realign damaged disks. Many patients find long term relief through spinal decompression therapy due to its effectiveness in relieving back and neck discomfort that causes headaches and migraines. Spinal decompression therapy is recommended for 24 sessions and only takes 45 minutes each session.

To find out which method would be appropriate for your individual needs, schedule a free consultation with Total Health today!

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*Due to Federal Law some exclusions may apply.

Admin. “Alleviating Headaches with Physical Therapy.” Athletico, 10 Oct. 2013, www.athletico.com/2013/09/26/alleviating-headaches-physical-therapy/.

“Can Laser Therapy Help Your Headaches?” Dr Brandon Herrington, Hattiesburg MS, Chiropractor. Headaches, Sciatica, Neck and Back Pain, 31 Oct. 2017, drbherrington.com/can-laser-therapy-help-your-headaches/.

“How Chiropractors Can Help Relieve Headaches.” How Chiropractors Can Help Relieve Headaches: McGowan Medical Centers: Chiropractors, www.mcgowansrc.com/blog/how-chiropractors-can-help-relieve-headaches.

Machalinski, Anne. “Why Do I Get Rebound Headaches?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/break-the-cycle-of-rebound-headaches.