Can knowing how to stretch your back help reduce pain and improve your range of motion?
Stretch Your Back
Over time, muscle tension can cause significant back pain and increase the risk of a back injury. Getting into a regular back stretching routine can help prevent back and spinal issues. These exercises can be performed when your back hurts to ease a backache or to avoid future problems. However, before beginning an exercise or stretch regimen, talk to your healthcare provider about any questions and what is safe for you. A few things to be mindful of are:
When stretching, don’t try to push past your pain limit.
Listen to your body, which leads to a calmer nervous system.
Take special care when stretching during pregnancy, as the hormones supporting your pregnancy could lead to overstretching or injury.
Warm Up
Stretching cold muscles can lead to injury. Always warm up first.
Do between five and 10 minutes of mild activity, such as walking.
Apply heat for 15 to 20 minutes before stretching.
Knees-to-Chest Back Stretch
To perform:
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor.
Bring your legs toward your chest With your knees bent.
Place your hands behind your thighs or on the shins, and pull the legs down toward your chest.
Pull until there is a gentle stretch.
Hold for 15 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Do a total of 10 reps.
Supine Twist Back Stretch
To perform:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Keep your back flat on the floor, rotate your hips to the left, and lower your legs until you feel the stretch.
Hold for 15 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Next, rotate the hips to the right and lower your legs to the floor until you feel a gentle stretch.
Hold for 15 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for nine reps.
Prone Bridging Back Stretch
To perform:
Lie on your stomach.
Prop yourself up on your elbows.
Extend your back.
Start straightening your elbows, further extending the back.
Continue straightening the elbows until the stretch is felt.
Hold for 15 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for nine reps.
Supine Butt Lift Back Stretch
To perform:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Push down through the feet as you slowly raise yourself off the floor.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Return to starting position.
Repeat for nine reps.
Seated Forward Curl Back Stretch
To perform:
Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
Bend forward until your chest is on your thighs, and you can touch the ground with your hands.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for nine reps.
Side Stretch
To perform:
Stand up straight with your arms at your sides and feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend sideways to the left while sliding your left hand down your thigh and reaching your right arm over your head.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Return to the starting position.
Now, bend to the right while sliding your right hand down your thigh and reaching your left arm over your head.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Repeat for nine reps.
Other Treatments to Loosen a Tight Back
Many healthcare providers recommend other treatments for back pain before using medication. Recommended treatments that can help loosen the back include: (Sudhakaran P. 2021)
Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles are inserted in release points to unblock stagnated blood and energy circulation.
Incorporating foods like those on the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fish, vegetables, and olive oil, can help reduce chronic inflammation and help with back pain.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. We build optimal health and wellness solutions with primary healthcare providers and specialists to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Stretching Benefits
References
Sudhakaran P. (2021). Acupuncture for Low-Back Pain. Medical acupuncture, 33(3), 219–225. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.1499
Foley, C., & Litscher, G. (2024). The Biggest Obstacle to the Integration of Acupuncture: The Meaning of Qi from the Ancients to Einstein. Medical acupuncture, 36(1), 5–11. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2023.0054
U.S. Department of Defense. (2012). Complementary Alternative Medicine for Low Back Pain. Retrieved from https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/22/2002198454/-1/-1/0/CAM%20FOR%20LOW%20BACK%20PAIN.PDF
For individuals who suffer from migraine headaches, can incorporating physical therapy help decrease pain, improve mobility, and manage future attacks?
Migraine Physical Therapy
Cervicogenic migraine headaches can cause pain, limited motion, or confusing symptoms like dizziness or nausea. They may originate from the neck or cervical spine and be called cervicogenic headaches. A chiropractic physical therapy team can assess the spine and offer treatments that help improve mobility and decrease pain. Individuals may benefit from working with a migraine physical therapy team to perform treatments for specific conditions, quickly and safely relieving pain and returning to their previous level of activity.
Cervical Spine Anatomy
The neck is comprised of seven stacked cervical vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae protect the spinal cord and allow the neck to move through:
Flexion
Extension
Rotation
Side bending
The upper cervical vertebrae help support the skull. There are joints on either side of the cervical level. One connects to the back of the skull and allows motion. This suboccipital area is home to several muscles that support and move the head, with nerves that travel from the neck through the suboccipital area into the head. The nerves and muscles in this area may be a source of neck pain and/or headaches.
Symptoms
Sudden motions can trigger symptoms of cervicogenic migraine, or they may come on during sustained neck postures. (Page P. 2011) The symptoms are often dull and non-throbbing and may last several hours to days. Symptoms of cervicogenic migraine headache may include:
Pain on both sides of the back of the head.
Pain in the back of the head that radiates to one shoulder.
Pain on one side of the upper neck that radiates to the temple, forehead, or eye.
Pain in one side of the face or cheek.
Reduced range of motion in the neck.
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea
Dizziness or vertigo
Diagnosis
Tools a physician may use may include:
X-ray
MRI
CT scan
Physical examination includes neck range of motion and palpation of the neck and skull.
When first visiting a physical therapist, they will go through medical history and conditions, and questions will be asked about the onset of pain, symptom behavior, medications, and diagnostic studies. The therapist will also ask about previous treatments and review medical and surgical history. Components of the evaluation may include:
Palpation of the neck and skull
Measures of neck range of motion
Strength measurements
Postural assessment
Once the evaluation is completed, the therapist will work with the individual to develop a personalized treatment program and rehabilitation goals. Various treatments are available.
Exercise
Exercises to improve neck motion and decrease pressure on cervical nerves may be prescribed and may include. (Park, S. K. et al., 2017)
Cervical rotation
Cervical flexion
Cervical side bending
Cervical retraction
The therapist will train the individual to move slowly and steadily and avoid sudden or jerky movements.
Postural Correction
If forward head posture is present, the upper cervical spine and the suboccipital area could compress the nerves that travel up the back of the skull. Correcting posture may be an effective strategy for treatment and can include:
Performing targeted postural exercises.
Utilizing a supportive neck pillow for sleep.
Using a lumbar support when sitting.
Kinesiology taping may help increase tactile awareness of back and neck position and improve overall postural awareness.
Heat/Ice
Heat or ice may be applied to the neck and skull to help decrease pain and inflammation.
Heat can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation and may be used before performing neck stretches.
Massage
If tight muscles are limiting neck motion and causing head pain, a massage can help improve mobility.
A special technique called suboccipital release loosens the muscles that attach the skull to the neck for improved motion and decreased nerve irritation.
Manual and Mechanical Traction
Part of the migraine physical therapy plan may involve mechanical or manual traction to decompress the neck’s discs and joints, improve motion in the neck, and decrease pain.
Joint mobilizations may be used to improve neck motion and manage pain. (Paquin, J. P. 2021)
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation, like electro-acupuncture or transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation, may be used on the neck muscles to decrease pain and improve headache symptoms.
Therapy Duration
Most migraine physical therapy sessions for cervicogenic headaches last about four to six weeks. Individuals may experience relief within a few days of starting therapy, or symptoms may come and go in different phases for weeks. Some experience continued migraine headache pain for months after starting treatment and use techniques they learned to help control symptoms.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic specializes in progressive therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on restoring normal body functions after trauma and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional and integrative Nutrition, Agility and mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. Our natural programs use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals. We have teamed up with the city’s premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-quality treatments that empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living and live a functional life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain.
Chiropractic Care For Migraines
References
Page P. (2011). Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management. International journal of sports physical therapy, 6(3), 254–266.
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) (2013). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 33(9), 629–808. https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658
Rana M. V. (2013). Managing and treating headache of cervicogenic origin. The Medical clinics of North America, 97(2), 267–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2012.11.003
Park, S. K., Yang, D. J., Kim, J. H., Kang, D. H., Park, S. H., & Yoon, J. H. (2017). Effects of cervical stretching and cranio-cervical flexion exercises on cervical muscle characteristics and posture of patients with cervicogenic headache. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(10), 1836–1840. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1836
Paquin, J. P., Tousignant-Laflamme, Y., & Dumas, J. P. (2021). Effects of SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG home-exercise for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a pilot study. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 29(4), 244–254. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2020.1864960
For individuals affected by headaches that occur 15 or more days a month for more than three months, can knowing the signs and symptoms help healthcare providers help treat and prevent chronic tension headaches?
Chronic Tension Headaches
Most individuals have experienced a tension-type headache. The pain is usually described as a dull tightening or pressure on both sides of the head, like having a tightening band around the head. Some individuals experience these headaches frequently, a condition known as chronic tension headaches. Chronic tension headaches are uncommon but can be debilitating, as they can interfere with a healthy quality of life and daily living.
Tension headaches are typically caused by stress, anxiety, dehydration, fasting, or lack of sleep and usually resolve with over-the-counter medications. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)
This is a primary headache disorder that affects around 3% of the population.
Chronic tension headaches can occur daily and negatively impact the quality of life and daily functioning. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)
Symptoms
Tension headaches can be referred to as stress headaches or muscle contraction headaches.
They can present with dull, aching pain and include tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)
Additionally, some individuals experience tenderness on the scalp, neck, and shoulders.
Chronic tension headaches materialize 15 or more days a month on average for more than three months.
The headache can last for several hours or be continuous for several days.
Causes
Tension headaches are typically caused by tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, jaw, and scalp.
Teeth grinding/bruxism and jaw clenching can also contribute to the condition.
Headaches can be brought on by stress, depression, or anxiety and are more common in individuals who:
Individuals experiencing headaches that interfere with daily life or need to take medication more than twice a week are recommended to consult a healthcare provider. Before the appointment, it can be helpful to keep a headache diary:
Record the days
Times
Description of the pain, intensity, and other symptoms.
Some questions the healthcare provider may ask include:
Is the pain pulsating, sharp, or stabbing, or is it constant and dull?
Where is the pain most intense?
Is it all over the head, on one side, on the forehead, or behind the eyes?
Do the headaches interfere with sleep?
Is working or doing tasks difficult or impossible?
A healthcare provider will likely be able to diagnose the condition based on symptoms alone. However, if the headache pattern is unique or different, the provider may order imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans, to rule out other diagnoses. Chronic tension headaches can be confused with other chronic daily headache disorders like chronic migraine, hemicrania continua, temporomandibular joint dysfunction/TMJ, or cluster headaches. (Fayyaz Ahmed. 2012)
Treatment
Pharmacological therapy for chronic tension headaches usually involves preventive medication.
Amitriptyline is one medication that has been found to be beneficial in chronic tension headache prevention.
According to a meta-analysis of 22 published studies in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, these medications are superior to placebo in reducing headache frequency, with an average of 4.8 fewer headache days per month.
Additional preventive medications may include other antidepressants like:
Remeron – mirtazapine.
Anti-seizure medications – like Neurontin – gabapentin, or Topamax – topiramate.
A healthcare provider may also prescribe medication to treat headache episodes, which include:
Prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, including acetaminophen, naproxen, indomethacin, or ketorolac.
Opiates
Muscle relaxants
Benzodiazepines – Valium
Non-Medication Treatment
Behavioral therapies are sometimes used on their own or in combination with medication to prevent and manage chronic tension headaches. Examples include:
Acupuncture
An alternative therapy that involves using needles to stimulate specific points on the body believed to connect with certain pathways/meridians that carry vital energy/chi throughout the body.
Biofeedback
In Electromyography – EMG biofeedback, electrodes are placed on the scalp, neck, and upper body to detect muscle contraction.
The process can be costly and time-consuming, and there is little evidence to support its effectiveness.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can work out stiff and tight muscles.
Train individuals on stretches and targeted exercises for loosening tight head and neck muscles.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/CBT
Involves learning how to identify headache triggers and cope in a less stressful and more adaptive way.
Headache specialists often recommend CBT in addition to medication when developing a treatment plan. (Katrin Probyn et al., 2017)
Teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching training/treatment can help when they are contributors.
Regular exercise, as well as practicing healthy sleep hygiene, can be beneficial in prevention.
Supplements
Some individuals with chronic tension headaches may find relief using supplements. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society report the following supplements can be effective: (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2021)
Butterbur
Feverfew
Magnesium
Riboflavin
If the headaches come on suddenly, cause waking up from sleep, or last for days, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Ahmed F. (2012). Headache disorders: differentiating and managing the common subtypes. British journal of pain, 6(3), 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1177/2049463712459691
Jackson, J. L., Mancuso, J. M., Nickoloff, S., Bernstein, R., & Kay, C. (2017). Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants for the Prevention of Frequent Episodic or Chronic Tension-Type Headache in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of general internal medicine, 32(12), 1351–1358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-017-4121-z
Probyn, K., Bowers, H., Mistry, D., Caldwell, F., Underwood, M., Patel, S., Sandhu, H. K., Matharu, M., Pincus, T., & CHESS team. (2017). Non-pharmacological self-management for people living with migraine or tension-type headache: a systematic review including analysis of intervention components. BMJ open, 7(8), e016670. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016670
Individuals with neck and shoulder pain may experience what feels like tightened lumps or knots in and around the muscles where the neck and shoulder meet. Can using kinesiology tape for neck and shoulder trigger points help to loosen and release them, restore function, and bring pain relief?
Kinesiology Tape For Neck and Shoulder Trigger Points
The upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles are where the shoulder and neck come together and are often the location of trigger point formations. These trigger points can cause tension, pain, and muscular spasms in the neck and shoulders. Various treatments for releasing trigger points and alleviating the pain symptoms include therapeutic massage, trigger point release, and chiropractic adjustments in a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Electrical stimulation and ultrasound have often been used to break up the knots, but scientific evidence has shown that these treatments alone are not the most effective. (David O. Draper et al., 2010)
Stretching the neck muscles can bring tension relief and help release the knots.
Kinesiology tape can decrease the pain and spasms and help to release the trigger points.
Therapy
Using kinesiology tape is a form of physical therapy that can be used in various ways.
The tape helps lift the upper tissues from underlying tissues to increase circulation and release muscular spasms.
It can help improve muscular contractions, decrease swelling, and inhibit pain in injured tissues.
Helps stop the trigger points and knots from worsening.
The tape can also be used for managing lymphedema.
Usage
To decrease trigger points, individuals can use a specific kinesiology tape strip called a lift strip. Individuals can consult their healthcare provider or physical therapist to show them the various types of strips to learn how to cut them properly.
Before using kinesiology tape, consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist to assess the injury and situation.
Kinesiology tape is not for everyone, and some people have conditions where the use of kinesiology tape should be avoided altogether.
A therapist can evaluate the neck pain and trigger points to determine if the individual should use kinesiology tape.
To use kinesiology tape for neck and shoulder trigger points:
Get comfortable with the neck and shoulders exposed.
Cut one lift strip for each side of the neck, if necessary.
The lift strip should be around 3 to 4 inches long.
Remove the paper backing in the center with the exposed tape in the center, which should look like a band-aid.
Both ends of the lift strip should still have the paper backing on.
Stretch out the kinesiology tape.
Place the stretched tape directly over the trigger points in the upper shoulder area.
Remove the backing on either side of the lift strip and place the ends on without stretching.
Gently rub the tape to help the adhesive adhere.
Once the tape has been applied, it can be left there for 2 to 5 days.
It’s ok if it gets wet with a bath or shower.
Monitor the skin around the tape to watch for redness or other signs of a negative reaction to the tape.
Kinesiology taping can be a useful tool to decrease pain and spasms but does not replace professional treatment, prescribed exercises and stretches, and posture retraining.
The physical therapy team will teach proper self-care strategies for the individual’s condition.
For individuals with neck and shoulder pain and muscle spasms, a trial of kinesiology taping may help alleviate symptoms and improve the overall injury.
The Non-Surgical Approach to Wellness with Chiropractic Care
References
Draper, D. O., Mahaffey, C., Kaiser, D., Eggett, D., & Jarmin, J. (2010). Thermal ultrasound decreases tissue stiffness of trigger points in upper trapezius muscles. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 26(3), 167–172. https://doi.org/10.3109/09593980903423079
Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body’s soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions.
Increased Temperature
Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage:
The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
It excretes waste substances and toxins.
Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don’t feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can’t clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation.
Fascia Circulation
The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body.
Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
An individual’s posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.
Muscle Burn Relief
Rehydrate
Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.
Stretching
Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.
Sleep
Get plenty of rest after a session.
The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.
They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.
Chiropractic Success Story
References
Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249.
Massage therapy: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.
Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.
It is a common scenario, whether sitting or standing when we need to bend down or forward, and suddenly there is a sharp sting on one side of the low back. The sensation can cause the knees to buckle. So we stand up slowly to assess the condition and realize it is almost impossible to stand completely straight and even harder to bend forward. So we sit back down to try and relieve the pressure. It helps a little, but the injury has caused the back muscles to spasm and get tighter and tighter. When we try to get up, there can be one big or several mild to severe electrical shock sensations traveling through the back. A severely over-rotated vertebrae could be the cause and require chiropractic care, massage, and/or decompression therapy.
Over Rotated Vertebrae
The spinal column is made of 26 interconnected vertebrae. When in motion, each vertebra moves, and as the torso rotates, the spine must rotate as well. The spine can move in several ways, including:
Bending
Rounding forward.
Extending or arching backward.
Twisting
Tilting sideways uses some of the same muscles when twisting.
Although the spine can move in various directions, there are limits to how far it can and should go. For example, when bending forward to lift an object, an individual can unknowingly over-extend and over-rotate vertebrae. This is where the risk of injury increases. A rotational injury of the spine occurs when the torso turns too far, and the spinal cord can’t handle it. This can stretch the ligaments in the spine to the point of snapping, causing the facet joints to dislocate. Ligament strains and facet dislocations are two of the most common rotational spine injuries.
Complications
An over-rotated vertebrae injury can also lead to complications that include.
Chronic Pain
Spinal nerve damage can lead to chronic pain conditions.
Mobility Problems
Mobility problems are common following an injury of the spine.
This comes from damage to the nerves that innervate the legs, causing weakness and coordination problems.
Pressure Ulcers
Numbness following a spine injury can cause individuals not to notice pressure ulcers developing.
These can lead to infections and could require hospitalization.
Individuals accumulate tension and/or weakness in the oblique abdominal muscles and other trunk muscles that can lead to chronic tightness and weakness, affecting movement and decreasing the range of motion.
Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Depending on the time and severity of the injury, a personalized treatment plan may consist of the following:
Chiropractic mobilization to release the spasms and reset the spine.
Rest
Facet Syndrome Treatment
References
Janssen, Michiel M A, et al. “Pre-existent vertebral rotation in the human spine is influenced by body position.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 19,10 (2010): 1728-34. doi:10.1007/s00586-010-1400-3
Kruger, Erwin A et al. “Comprehensive management of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury: current concepts and future trends.” The Journal of spinal cord medicine vol. 36,6 (2013): 572-85. doi:10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000093
Passias, Peter G et al. “Segmental lumbar rotation in patients with discogenic low back pain during functional weight-bearing activities.” The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume vol. 93,1 (2011): 29-37. doi:10.2106/JBJS.I.01348
Shan, X., Ning, X., Chen, Z. et al. Low back pain development response to sustained trunk axial twisting. Eur Spine J 22, 1972–1978 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2784-7
Headaches are a common condition that most experience and can differ greatly regarding type, severity, location, and frequency. Headaches range from mild discomfort to constant dull or sharp pressure and severe throbbing pain. A headache chiropractor, through therapeutic massage, decompression, and adjustments, alleviates the headaches, whether tension, migraine, or cluster, releasing the tension and restoring normal function.
Headache Chiropractor
Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches caused by overactivity, muscle tension, or problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head. These are not a symptom of an underlying disease and include tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. The other 5 percent of headaches are secondaryand are caused by an underlying condition, infection, or physical issue. Headaches have various causes or triggers. These include:
Long hours driving
Stress
Insomnia
Blood sugar changes
Foods
Smells
Noises
Lights
Excessive exercise or physical activity
Individuals spend more hours in one fixed position or posture, like sitting in front of a computer or standing at a workstation. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the upper back, neck, and scalp, causing achiness and discomfort that builds up to throbbing soreness. The headache’s location and the discomfort experienced can indicate the type of headache.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are experts in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Research shows that a headache chiropractor can adjust the spine’s alignment to improve spinal function, release and relax the tense muscles, and alleviate nervous system stress helping decrease the intensity and frequency. Treatment includes:
The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Teamwill develop a personalized treatment plan for the individual’s specific condition and needs.
Migraine Treatment
References
Biondi, David M. “Physical treatments for headache: a structured review.” Headache vol. 45,6 (2005): 738-46. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05141.x
Bronfort, G et al. “Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: a systematic review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 24,7 (2001): 457-66.
Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Côté, Pierre, et al. “Non-pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 23,6 (2019): 1051-1070. doi:10.1002/ejp.1374
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