FAQs on HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES IN TACOMA

If you're burdened by recurring headaches or devastating migraines, you're no doubt desperate to understand these painful conditions and what can be done to relive them. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about headaches and migraines at Proctor Chiropractic.

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How common are headaches and migraines?

Headaches affect 80 to 90 percent of the U.S, population, sending some 8 million headache sufferers to the doctor every year. Migraines are less common, but they still occur in approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population.

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What causes a tension headache?

A tension headache is caused by tension in muscles near the base of the skull. Some of these muscles are attached to highly sensitive membranes. When the muscles go into spams, the membranes send pain signals into the head. A misalignment between the head and top of the spine can cause chronic tension headaches.

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Why do some people get migraines?

It's believed that neurotransmitter imbalances and abnormal nerve signals cause rapid changes blood vessels, setting off a migraine attack. Specific triggers can range from physical and emotional tension to hormonal changes and certain food choices.

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What are the classic migraine symptoms?

You may experience strange visual "auras" before the actual migraine attack. Classic migraine symptoms include intense pain, nausea, extreme sensitivity to sounds and lights, blurred vision, and even fainting spells. The effects of an especially brutal migraine can extend over a 72-hour period.

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How does my Tacoma chiropractor treat chronic headaches?

Your Tacoma chiropractor, Dr. Keohg or Dr. Luke, treats the underlying cause of your headaches instead of simply numbing the symptoms. Cervical spinal adjustments can relieve chronic muscle tension caused by neck/head misalignment. This allows the muscles near the base of the skull to relax.

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Can chiropractic care help migraine sufferers?

Chiropractic care is very effective against migraines. Study participants have stated that their migraines became less frequent, and less intense, as a result of chiropractic care. Cervical spinal adjustments that improve your nerve signaling may help normalize your overall biochemical and neurological function.

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What other techniques might you recommend to help me keep headaches and migraines at bay?

Massage therapy can loosen tight, tense neck muscles, a tension headache trigger that may also provoke migraines. We can also help you identify dietary or lifestyle habits that trigger migraines so you can avoid them in the future.

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Our Tacoma Chiropractor Holds Your Headache and Migraine Answers

Chronic headaches and migraines can make work impossible and rob you of all your favorite activities. Get the solutions to your distress by calling Proctor Chiropractic for an appointment with either Tacoma chiropractor at our clinic!