Our Preferred Natural Remedies For Headaches
Headaches can be an everyday occurrence and rarely a cause for concern – but that doesn’t mean that having one isn’t irritating. A simple headache can be enough to disrupt your day to day life, and many people will take some painkillers and go about their day.
However, if you experience headaches frequently, you may not always want to rely on medication to alleviate your headaches. Plus, over the counter medications often may not be addressing the root cause of your headaches.
At Dynamic Chiropractic, we promote a holistic approach to health care and headache management. Here are our preferred natural remedies for headaches and migraines.
Chiropractic Care For Headache Relief
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. When a misalignment in the spine occurs, it can affect the nervous system and lead to various health issues. This of course includes headaches.
By performing gentle adjustments, we as chiropractors aim to correct any misalignments and restore proper nerve function. This can be useful when it comes to natural remedies for headaches.
Spinal Alignment
At Dynamic Chiropractic, we use precise adjustments to realign the spine and help alleviate headaches. This can relieve tension in the neck and upper back, which are common contributors to headaches. Another benefit is that when the spine is properly aligned, it can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Muscle Tension Relief & Nerve Function
Some headaches can be caused by muscle tension and spasms in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care can help relax these muscles, relieving pain and discomfort. At Dynamic Chiropractic we use a number of different techniques such as dry needling and trigger point therapy to reduce trigger points in muscles that commonly cause headaches such as the upper traps. This helps to reduce muscle tightness and help with headaches.
Other Natural Headache Remedies
Chiropractic care is just one of the few natural headache remedies that we recommend. On top of adjustments, there are other natural lifestyle changes we promote.
Hydration
Dehydration is a common headache trigger (in fact, it’s a trigger for many problems, including your everyday energy levels). Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
Dietary Changes
Certain foods and additives can trigger headaches in some individuals. Some of the most common foods that can cause headaches are reportedly chocolate, cheese, caffeinated drinks, nuts, citrus fruits, processed meats, artificial sweeteners, fatty or salty foods, and alcoholic drinks.
If you think any of these foods are triggering headaches, keep note of this and adjust your diet appropriately.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a significant contributor to headaches as well as a wide range of other health problems. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress effectively.
Adequate Sleep
Good sleep makes a huge contribution to your overall wellness, helping with everything from physical recovery and repair, brain development, cardiac function and body metabolism, as well as supporting learning, improving memory and mood. So, when it comes to natural remedies for headaches, ensuring that you get enough quality sleep each night can be very beneficial, as sleep deprivation can also lead to tension headaches.
Get Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches – and like many other suggestions on this list, has flow-on beneficial effects on the body. Exercise promotes better blood flow and can help to reduce stress, so make sure you’re up and moving enough.
Natural remedies for headaches offer a holistic approach to managing and preventing headaches, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes without relying on medication. Chiropractic care can be a valuable option for individuals seeking drug-free, non-invasive headache relief. If you’re interested in what Dynamic Chiropractic can offer, feel free to book your first appointment online now.