Dr Ben Weitz, DC, CCSP, CSCS
Headaches Chiropractor
Headaches are an extremely common condition, with at least 40-50% of the world’s population experiencing a headache disorder annually. Two thirds of these headaches are classified as tension headaches and many of these respond to working on the muscles in the neck and to chiropractic manipulation of the neck. Headaches can have many different causes, including muscle tension, stress, poor posture, neck dysfunction, hormonal changes, sleep problems, dehydration, and neurological and vascular factors. Soft tissue/massage therapy relieves muscle spasms around the spine and the base of the skull, known as the sub-occipital muscles, and this can help with headaches. Realigning the neck with chiropractic adjustments reduces mechanical stress and nerve irritation, thus also helping to reduce headaches.
Research has shown that there are attachments between the suboccipital muscles under the skull and the lining over the spinal cord and brain known as the dura mata. As the suboccipital muscles tighten, they pull on the dura mata, causing head pain. Massage of these muscles as well as manipulation of the upper cervical spine will reduce headaches because of this. Forwards head posture involves the head going forwards and also hyperextending the neck backwards, thus shortening these suboccipital muscles and leading to more headaches. Imagine carrying a bowling ball. The farther you hold the ball away from your body, the harder your muscles have to work to support it. The same basic principle applies to the head and neck. When the head is positioned farther forward, the muscles of the neck and upper back may have to work harder to maintain the position of the head. Over time, this can contribute to muscle fatigue, stiffness, trigger points, and neck pain, which may in turn contribute to headaches in some people. When the suboccipital muscles become tight, treating these muscles with soft-tissue therapy, stretching, chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck and therapies like moist heat and electrical stimulation may help decrease muscle tension and improve mobility. Chiropractic adjustments can improve mobility of restricted spinal joints and may reduce mechanical stress in the neck. Manipulation of the cervical spine may also influence the way the nervous system processes pain.
A Comprehensive Approach to Headaches
At Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition, we don’t look at headaches simply as a problem to be treated with an adjustment. We look for the factors that may be contributing to the problem.
This may include:
Treatment may combine chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, postural correction, and ergonomic recommendations depending on the individual patient. The last five causes will require seeing Dr. Weitz for Functional Medicine to explore your metabolic health, look for food sensitivities, hormonal balance, and nutritional deficiencies. We will explore the possible triggers and use changes to your diet and lifestyle consider adding nutritional supplements to help. The goal is not simply to make the headache go away temporarily, but to identify and address the mechanical, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to recurring headaches.
Chiropractic Care for Headaches in Santa Monica
If your headaches are associated with neck pain, tight neck muscles, poor posture, or restricted neck movement, chiropractic care is especially likely to be a useful component of a comprehensive treatment plan. When you see Dr. Ben Weitz for headaches in Santa Monica, I will evaluate the neck, upper back, posture, and muscular system to determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your headaches. Treatment can include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and other therapies. If you suffer from recurring headaches, contact our Santa Monica office to schedule an evaluation and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
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