The Reason for 80% of Headaches | Chiropractor for Headaches in Belmar, NJ
Hello everyone, Dr. Jodi Kinney here. Today, I’m excited to kick off a series of videos focusing on headaches—a common ailment with often misunderstood origins. Surprisingly, approximately 85% of headaches originate not from the head but from the neck.
Common Causes of Headaches
- Subluxation: This is when vertebrae shift slightly out of alignment, potentially pinching nerves. This misalignment is what we in chiropractic refer to as a subluxation.
- Tech Neck: Prolonged exposure to screens can cause this condition, where the head is persistently tilted forward, straining neck muscles and leading to tension headaches.
- Other Factors: Sometimes headaches can stem from dietary sensitivities or dehydration, among other organic causes.
Live Adjustment Session
Today, I’ll demonstrate an adjustment on my patient Maria, who is currently experiencing a headache. Our goal is to alleviate this discomfort by addressing any subluxations.
Adjustment Procedure
- Initial Examination: I begin with what’s called long-axis traction, gently elongating the neck to open up the vertebrae and identify areas of tightness or misalignment.
- Targeted Adjustment: Focusing on areas where the vertebrae feel out of alignment or where muscles are notably tense.
- Muscle Stretching: Post-adjustment, I perform stretches specifically targeting the levator scapulae muscle, which connects the shoulder blade to the cervical vertebrae and is often tight in headache sufferers.
Stretching Techniques
Side Stretch: Helps to release tension from one side of the neck.
Rotational Stretch: A 45-degree rotation enhances the stretch, reaching deeper into the muscle fibers.
Health Advice
I encourage anyone suffering from persistent headaches to consider a chiropractic evaluation instead of relying solely on over-the-counter medications like Excedrin, Advil, or Tylenol. These medications can tax your organs with long-term use.
Chiropractic care offers a natural solution by correcting the underlying issues in the spine and neck, potentially providing long-lasting relief without the need for drugs.
Stay tuned for more in this series, and remember, you don’t have to live with pain. Come in, get checked, and let’s address those headaches naturally!
Dr. Jodi, signing off. See you soon for more insights on living a pain-free life with a healthy spine and nervous system.
