Handling Headaches
Many Americans suffer from migraines and headache symptoms, some more frequent than others. The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness has pulled together some interesting facts about headaches, triggers, and how you can manage them if they happen to you.
Did you know?
9 out of 10 Americans suffer from migraines or headaches.
Migraines are the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world.
85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women.
More than 40% of all children have had a headache by the age of 7.
Only 12% of all headache and migraine sufferers seek preventive treatment.
95% of headaches are primary headaches, meaning they are not caused by a disease. They are the primary health concern.
There are a variety of ways that people may deal with headaches; popping over the counter medicine, using heating pads, chugging caffeine, and numerous other home-remedies. However, one of the most effective ways to relieve migraine and headache symptoms is with Chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the spine in order to stimulate the nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment is clinically proven to affect the way the brain communicates with the body. Because of increased stimulation to the brain from the adjustment, a variety of body functions may improve such as: joint position sense, lymphatic function, speed, strength, breathing, injury risk, stress response, mood, behavior, heart rate, digestion, headaches and more!
Here at The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness, we are a whole-body health and wellness facility, and when it comes to headaches, it is important for our doctors to identify all aspects of headache symptoms. Triggers and factors that contribute to headaches can be numerous, some of the major contributors include:
1.Diet
Eating processed foods vs. whole foods can lead to spikes in blood sugar which can trigger headache symptoms. Dehydration will also trigger headaches so be sure to consume plenty of water through your normal day (1/2 ounce per 1lb body weight). Looking at what you consume greatly impacts your health. We recommend focusing on adding more WHOLE, REAL foods to your diet.
2.Sleep Pattern
Without consistent sleep or lack of sleep the body will have elevated cortisol levels which can increase stress, cause weight gain, and be a trigger to headaches and migraines. We recommend implementing a consistent sleep pattern. Try to wake up the same time each day and go to bed at the same time each night. Following a natural circadian rhythm will help your body become most healthy and consistent sleep has been shown to reduce headaches.
3. Work Ergonomics
A proper ergonomic workstation will reduce stress and tension in your neck, upper back, and the base of the skull resulting in reducing headache symptoms. It is equally important to make sure you are getting up and moving throughout your day. Stretching at least 1x every hour is a good way to stimulate your immunity and metabolism and reduce headache symptoms.
4. Exercise Routine
Finding the right exercise routine for your body based on life style goals and what fits you is important for headache prevention. High intensity workouts may lead to an increase in headaches, but also lack of exercise can do the same. It is important to evaluate what works for your body and maintain a regular routine of physical activity!
Having regular Chiropractic adjustments and finding out what triggers your headaches or migraines is the key to reducing them. Our doctors at The Winchester Institute are here to help you find and diagnose your triggers. You do not have to just handle your headaches anymore. There is a treatment that is proven to help – Chiropractic care.
How can The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness help?
Our Chiropractic Doctors perform spinal manipulation to improve spinal function and alleviate the stress on your system.
Our exercise physiologists perform assisted stretching sessions to reeducate the muscle and soft tissue.
Our licensed massage therapists perform manual therapy sessions to release soft tissue muscle tension.
·Our Chiropractic Doctors and holistic health coach provide nutritional advice.
Our Chiropractic Doctors provide advice on posture and ergonomics.
Our Chiropractic Doctors and team provide exercises and relaxation techniques.
The Chiropractic Doctors at The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness practice knowing health is not achieved without looking at how our choices affect our mind and our body. True healing begins from the inside out and it begins with the choices we make.
The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness is easily accessible, located right outside of Columbus Ohio, neighboring the suburbs of Hilliard, Powell, Westerville, Worthington, Lewis Center, Plain City, and Marysville.
To learn more about our massage and Chiropractic services in Columbus and the surrounding area, contact our Dublin Ohio facility, e-mail or call 614.760.5555 and our helpful staff will be happy to schedule your visit.