Does stress cause stiffness in your neck and shoulders and a feeling of a rubber band wrapped tightly around your head? These are classic signs you have a tension headache.
If you're in Torrance, CA, and searching for a natural and effective solution, consider consulting a local chiropractor like South Bay Pain & Wellness. In this blog, we'll discuss how a chiropractor can help with tension headaches, manage your symptoms, and achieve lasting relief.
The first step to knowing how to get rid of tension headaches is understanding their causes and symptoms.
Tension headaches tend to be episodic—meaning, they come and go. An episode can last from 30 minutes to a week. Tension headaches are considered chronic if you experience 15 episodes every month for three months.
During an episode, you may experience a dull ache and a feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head. Your neck and shoulder muscles may also feel tender.
Stress that leads to muscle tension is the most commonly reported trigger for tension headaches. This may happen when, for example, you spend long hours in front of a computer in poor posture or endure prolonged commuting in awkward positions. These strain the neck, shoulders, and eyes, often resulting in an episode.
Other triggers may include the following:
The cervical spine is the portion of the spine found in the neck. Misalignments there can place undue stress on surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This abnormal tension often radiates upward, contributing to the pain and tightness characteristic of tension headaches.
Proper spinal alignment is crucial for relieving and preventing the symptoms of tension headaches, and this is something an experienced chiropractor for tension headaches like Dr. Misa Zaker of South Bay Pain & Wellness can address.
Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments that contribute to tension headaches. They help relieve the stress and tightness in the surrounding muscles, which helps alleviate headache symptoms. Because it targets the root cause of tension headaches, chiropractic adjustments reduce the frequency and duration of episodes and promote overall spinal health.
A chiropractor can help with tension headaches by using massage therapies to release tightness in the neck and upper back muscles. Our specialized Pilates exercise program here at South Bay Pain & Wellness complements these by improving neck and upper back strength, flexibility, and posture. Together, these techniques offer both immediate relief and long-term prevention of tension-related headaches.
While over-the-counter medications offer pain relief, they do not address the root cause of tension headaches. At South Bay Pain & Wellness, we focus on helping patients find noninvasive and drug-free ways to alleviate their symptoms and enhance their body’s natural healing capabilities, reducing the need for medication.
At South Bay Pain & Wellness, we understand that each patient's experience with headaches is unique. From long commutes to desk-bound workdays, these factors can take a toll on your spine and overall health.
That's why we take a personalized approach to care, ensuring our patients receive specific solutions for their tension headaches. By considering your daily routines and challenges, we provide customized treatments and suggest lifestyle adjustments to eliminate those pain triggers.
Chiropractic care goes beyond providing immediate relief; it focuses on achieving long-term wellness. Besides spinal adjustments, our personalized treatment plan may include massage therapies, Pilates, pain management, and lifestyle recommendations to help reduce stress.
Based on your progress, we'll adjust the treatment if necessary, ensuring you receive optimum care.
If you’re in Torrance, CA, and notice your tension headaches becoming more frequent or severe, it may be time to visit South Bay Pain & Wellness. A chiropractor for headaches can address the root of your headaches and prevent further disruptions to your quality of life. With effective care, you can stay productive at work and enjoy more quality time with your family.
Can a chiropractor help with tension headaches? Yes. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that not only manages your symptoms but also targets the underlying causes of headaches, providing you with long-lasting and natural relief.
Dr. Misa Zaker of South Bay Pain & Wellness is a chiropractor for tension headaches experienced in various techniques that alleviate pain and improve overall well-being. Take the first step toward healing—book your appointment with us today!