Neck misalignment is a particularly common cause of chronic headaches; a “cervicogenic headache” is a headache originating from the neck, caused by excessive stress being placed on the upper neck joints due to conditions such as forward head posture or due to regular slouching. Stress can also lead to headaches (“tension headaches”).
Dizziness can be caused by vertigo, which is also often neck-related, as it can be caused by neck or head trauma. Depending on the cause of your constant headaches or dizziness, chiropractic treatment can be a lifesaver. Cervicogenic vertigo, or vertigo originating from the neck, can be effectively treated with chiropractic manipulation, as can the unfortunately all-too-common cervicogenic headaches. Your chiropractor will also be able to recommend exercises to reduce pressure on your upper neck joints.
Another potential cause of chronic dizziness is inner ear problems, which can also be treated effectively with chiropractic manipulation.
Certain medications such as antihistamines can be associated with chronic headaches or dizziness, as can tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, so have a chat with your chiropractor about your diet and any medications you’re talking.
Chiropractic care has been found to be very effective in reducing tension/irritation to the neck and head, as well as being effective against migraines and dizziness. Every patient’s body is different, and a chiropractor is trained in identifying what is causing headaches and/or dizziness in your particular case, and giving you the optimum treatment so that you can lead a healthier, happier life with less pain.
There are also many strategies that you can use to reduce headaches and dizziness that will complement your chiropractic treatment.
Maintaining good posture will help prevent neck misalignment, and avoiding stressful situations will reduce both tension headaches and migraines. Of course, we can’t always avoid stress, but we can learn to deal with it better: mindfulness meditation is an excellent way to regulate one’s emotions and prevent stress-related headaches.
Chronic headache sufferers may also experience “rebound headaches”, i.e. a headache caused by over-use of pain-relieving medication. You are at risk of these headaches if you need to take headache medication more than twice a week, or 9 times per month. Pain relieving medications are treating the symptom, not the cause, and so it goes without saying that relying on such medications isn’t going to solve your problem, and therefore it shouldn’t be your only treatment for frequent headaches. Treat your body with respect, because you will be in this body for a long time, and caring for it now will give you ample rewards later!