Another cause may be muscle
tension from emotional stress at home or from a job or
relationship. Sitting for long periods, gripping a telephone
between the shoulder and ear, driving in heavy traffic or bad
weather, adjusting to new lenses in new glasses--all these
things can cause muscle tension or changes in the normal
curvature of the spine leading to chronic irritation of
vertebral nerve roots. Many headaches are caused by damaged
structures in the neck from auto accidents and other injuries.
For anyone who is suffering
from a recurring headache (two to three times a week), it is
important to recognize it as a symptom. It may feel as though
the headache is the problem, especially in the case of a
migraine. Most people treat a headache by taking a painkiller
such as aspirin or Tylenol. Although this may give temporary
relief, it is usually not the answer, especially for repetitive
headaches. Too often we associate lack of symptoms or "no
pain" as being healthy, when this is usually far from the
truth. If the oil light comes on in our car, how many of us
would cut the wire to the warning light? Probably no one would,
yet that is what you are doing to your body when you ignore your
body's warning lights and numb yourself with painkillers.
Chiropractic can help find
the causes behind the headaches, as well as relieve immediate
pain. If a physical or structural problem with the spine is
involved, chiropractic care can often correct it. Usually a
series of spinal adjustments to restore misaligned spinal bones
to normal position and motion relieves pressure on irritated
nerve roots. We can also help identify headache triggers and
avoid future headaches.
Chiropractic offers a safe,
natural alternative to painkillers for preventing and relieving
headaches. One thing is certain. While pain-relievers may
temporarily ease discomfort, they also may mask symptoms. They
do nothing to correct the problem. And while the problem
remains, the headaches will come back...again and again.