Chronic headaches like tension headaches and migraines can take a huge toll on quality of life. At Ashburn Chiropractic & Rehab Center, headaches are treated with custom options that focus on the cause of pain to help patients find long-term relief.

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What causes headaches?

Headaches can occur for different reasons, including trauma, underlying disease, and even taking some types of medications. But many headaches today are caused by chronic stress and tension, or from neurovascular issues that have a direct impact on the nerves and blood vessels in the neck and head. These types of headaches include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, which are akin to migraines but tend to occur in groups, or clusters, over a specific period.

How does a chiropractor treat chronic headaches like migraines and tension headaches?

Chiropractors use different techniques to treat chronic head pain, and before any approach is recommended, an examination will be performed to determine the underlying cause of pain. Many chronic headaches can be caused or exacerbated by muscle tension, and painful muscle “knots” or trigger points that interfere with healthy nerve signaling and circulation, and which can even result in reduced range of motion in the neck. Migraines specifically have been shown to involve both the nerves and the blood vessels. In all these cases, chiropractic can help with techniques specifically designed to treat those underlying issues, including deep tissue manipulation to “break up” trigger points and restore circulation, and cervical spinal adjustments to help relieve nerve impingements in the neck and shoulders. Other techniques like physical therapy and guidance on posture and ergonomics can relieve strain and help prevent headaches from occurring in the future.

How can improved ergonomics help prevent headaches?

Ergonomics helps ensure personal work, and home environments are tailored to support the needs of the musculoskeletal system. That often means redesigning or rethinking the way a person sits at a desk, including the shape, height, and support level of the chair, the shape and height of the desk, the lighting that is used, and other factors aimed at reducing strain on the neck, back, and shoulders which can cause nerve impingements and interfere with healthy circulation.