subject: Chiropractor In Portland Me | An Unaligned Spine Can Be A Real Headache, Literally [print this page] Recent research has proven a distinct link between the alignment of the spine and the frequency of certain severe headaches. In 2001, Duke University released a study that indicated how chiropractic care immediately relieved many tension headache symptoms in patients. Also, the study showed that spinal manipulation resulted in much more consistent long-term relief when compared to medication.
Since many headaches can be traced to tension or neck pain, it would be appropriate to conclude that most headaches can be stopped by a simple realignment of the spine. However, other factors to take into consideration contribute to alleviating headaches that your doctor, chiropractor, or health care provider may recommend to you.
Curing Headaches through Diet and Exercise
The first base to cover when it comes to preventing tension headaches is to commit to a healthy diet supplemented with vitamins and regular exercise. Bear in mind that exercise can dehydrate the body, which is a common cause of headaches. Drinking plenty of water may sound like a mundane dietary tip, but it is essential to good health.
Exercise is especially vital to those who work at an office or spend much of their day in front of a computer. Sitting for too long without stretching or exercise can cause tension to build up until finally culminating into a headache or migraine.
Posture and Ergonomics
Your doctor may discuss with you the importance of maintaining good posture. Good posture also relates to what was just discussed about office work or those who spend a great deal of time sitting in a fixed position. Posture and ergonomics play an important role in keeping the back straight, which promotes easier breathing and relaxation.
Many employers today have recognized the importance of ergonomics and the role it plays in performance. Office chairs are on the market today that are specifically crafted to keep the back straight but also comfortable. New designs in the keyboard and mouse have shown to help reduce problems like carpal tunnel and arthritis.
Incorporating ergonomics in the home and office can greatly reduce tension headaches by reducing spinal misalignment and detrimental posture.
Spinal Decompression
With proper diet, exercise, and posture maintenance, many headache problems can be prevented before they start. But over time the tension and compression of the spine and neck can lead to severe, long-term pain that can manifest into symptoms like headaches.
Because of this, you may want to consider spinal decompression, a non-invasive technique being implemented by many professionals that can gradually relieve tension between the vertebrae. By gently stretching the vertebrae in the spine, all the nerves and blood vessels located there can be given a chance to recover and repair.
Because the human body is basically a circuit board of inter-dependent parts, it's no wonder that the condition of the spine can reverberate to the rest of the body. When the signals being sent by the central nervous system are able to flow through the spine without interference, the quality of life can be greatly improved.
By incorporating these three categories of change into any lifestyle, the body can be more equipped to deal with the physical and mental exertions today's fast pace world requires.
