Just about everyone complains of experiences a headache at some point in their lives. In fact, over 45 million adults in America report suffering from chronic headaches. Because of this, many people seek out help from their regular medical doctors, chiropractors, and massage therapists. This article discusses the common causes for headaches and how chiropractors can help to provide relief.

What are the causes of headaches?

Sometimes it isn't always known why people suffer from headaches. However, there are many reasons that are known. The first of these reasons is because of muscle tension in the back, shoulders, and neck. If these muscles are tight and inflamed, this can lead to headache pain, because those muscles are also being pulled on.

Another reason people commonly suffer from headaches is because of teeth grinding. About thirty to forty million adults and children clench and grind their teeth. This can be due to stress or anxiety and commonly happens at night, while the patient is asleep. This can cause a constant, dull headache throughout the day. 

How does chiropractic care help headaches?

Chiropractors will adjust misalignments in the spine that they call subluxations. These subluxations cause many other problems, including leading to headaches. When the spine is out of alignment, this can pull on the muscles throughout the back, shoulders, and neck. Having these spots adjusted back into position can help reduce the tension and inflammation caused by the misalignments. 

Often times, more than one appointment may be necessary to help relieve the headaches. If this is the case, it is important to keep up regular appointments with the chiropractor to ensure the problems causing the headaches don't come back. 

The chiropractor for headaches may also suggest that the patient visit a massage therapist or masseuse to help relieve the tightness and inflammation in the muscles. Many times, chiropractors work hand in hand with massage therapists to help relieve symptoms.

If the headaches are caused due to teeth grinding, often times the chiropractor may suggest a mouth guard. Some chiropractors may sell these from their office. Some mouth guards are sent to a laboratory to be made from moldings of the mouth. Other times, some can simply be shaped at home by boiling them in hot water and then holding them in the mouth for about a minute. The mouth guards are then worn while the patient sleeps to prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth.

If the chiropractor suggests any exercises or stretches be done at home, it is very important to make sure these are done regularly. Often times chiropractic care relies on the patient's willingness to help themselves.