Tension Headaches Respond Well to Chiropractic Care at our Chicago Office

Tension headaches are generally classified as cervicogenic in origin although ongoing research into this classification is needed.  As such, however, tension headaches consistently respond very well to chiropractic care. 

“The overall results are encouraging, even if not quite supportive in the case of tension-type headache.” (The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of headache: an exploration in the literature. J Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Nov-Dec; 18(9):611-17.)

“The results of this study show that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches.” (Spinal manipulation vs. amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Mar-Apr; 18(3): 148-54.)

Symptoms of Tension Headache

Tension headaches are common and manifest as a tightness or a dull pressure located across the forehead from one side of the head to the other. Sometimes pain from a tension headache may also (or instead) be located just on the sides and around the back of the head, or in the neck area. Tension headaches can occur infrequently or daily, and can last from a half-hour to a week.

Other symptoms of a tension headache:

• feeling of a tight band of pressure on and encircling the head
• tenderness around the shoulders, neck, and scalp
• general muscle aching
• fatigue
• trouble sleeping
• loss of appetite
• irritability
• poor concentration

 What Causes Tension Headaches?

As common as tension headaches are, however, their causes are still not fully clear. It used to be thought (and it certainly feels to those suffering them) that tension headaches were the result of muscle contractions in the face, neck, and head, possibly from mental or emotional stress - but some headache experts today are not so sure, as muscle tightness doesn't seem to be heightened in individuals diagnosed with tension headaches. Now some suspect that an imbalance in neurochemicals, like endorphins and serotonin, may be the cause.

Either way, doctors recommend people avoid the following factors to stave off tension headaches:

• clenching the jaw
• poor posture
• working or otherwise maintaining the same position for long periods of time
• stress, anxiety, and depression

Schedule an appointment today to help relieve your tension headache or to learn about steps you can take at home to help reduce these factors that may be triggering your headaches.  We are located in Andersonville (Chicago’s north side), and we are open 6 days a week with evening and weekend hours to help you live pain free.