The study was done in 2020 that sounds that up to one and five new chiropractic patients list headaches as one of their main reasons for seeking care. Today, we are going to take a look at chiropractic care for headaches.
A survey was done which included input from 224 adult patients with headaches as their main complaint. 70 doctors of chiropractic found that 25% of patients who consult with a chiropractor because of their chronic headaches, and 42% rate their headache pain as severe.
21% of patients exhibited characteristics of migraine headaches, 17% had tension type headaches, and 1/3 experienced characteristics of two or more types of headaches. Among the patients who rated their pain is severe, 62% had migraines and 2/3 had more than one type of a headache. This is based on international classification of headache disorders criteria.
Studies published in 2020 and 2021 compared multi modal chiropractic care. This was 10 treatments spread over 14 weeks, and enhanced usual care which is medical treatment with migraine education literature in the treatment of 61 adult women with episodic migraines. Those in the chiropractic group experienced a near threefold reduction in migraine days per month.
When following up with the participants in the chiropractic group, the researchers found three common themes. Over the course of treatment, participants became more aware of the role in muscle tension, pain, and posture and treating a migraine. Participants also revise their prior conceptions of chiropractic care beyond spinal manipulation. Finally the participants looked at chiropractor patient relationship as valuable and needed for affective migraine treatment.
Another study included 150 patients with chronic tension type headaches. Chiropractic care and the medication amitriptyline had similar benefits during the study. Three participants in the chiropractic treatment group reported neck soreness and stiffness. 82.1% of those in the group that took the medication experienced side effects that included drowsiness , dry mouth, and weight gain. After the treatment concluded, those who received chiropractic care continue to experience a reduction in headache intensity and frequency. Those who had taken the medication reverted to their normal headache intensity, frequency and duration levels.
As you can see, chiropractic care for headaches is an effective treatment. Why go on medication with side effects that have no long-term benefits? Call us today to receive chiropractic care for headaches. We are here to help.
