Do you suffer from migraines and headaches? Have you ever wondered why Panadol does not have a lasting effect? It is time to consider your posture and the effects it is having on the ability of your body to function correctly!
The World Health Organization declared that most people perceive headaches as a ‘minor or trivial compliant’ and yet the ironic thing is that studies have shown in Australia approximately 87% of people will have a headache in a year (1). An astounding 7 million suffer from tension type headaches and a further 2 million of us suffer from migraine (75% of whom are female)(1). It is a very common and distressing disorder that is most common in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s and there is something that can be done about it! (1).
TYPES OF HEADACHES
There are several different types of headaches that are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches (95% of all headaches) include such things has migraine, tension headaches and cluster headaches. Of these primary headaches majority of them are associated with muscle tension in the neck, which is related to societal sedentary behaviours (2, 3). Secondary headaches are the result of something else, eg. glaucoma, chronic sinusitis, or cervical spondylosis (3).
Migraines occur on one side, can change sides, are mid-severe in strength, give a throbbing sensation and are generally localized at the front part of your head (3).
Tension headaches are usually both sides of your head, severe and give a tight gripping feeling (3).
Cluster headaches are excruciating, are locked to one side of your head, and are often behind the eyes (3).
THE RESEARCH
A study (1995) in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics and a report (2001) released by researchers of the Duke University Evidence Based Practice Centre in Durham, NC have both found that chiropractic care is more effective than medication (2). This research has found that not only does spinal manipulation give almost immediate improvement in headaches that originate in the neck but also that it gives longer-lasting relief of tension-type headaches (2). Furthermore, even if care is ceased the patients experienced sustained benefit (2).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Visit your local chiropractor in Crows Nest or North Sydney where they can conduct a digital postural analysis and talk through a potential action plan. The Chiropractors at Spine and Health are experts in pain and posture and can alleviate the stress on your system by removing subluxations. They can offer advice on posture, ergonomics, exercises, relaxation techniques, and nutrition (common trigger) (2).
In analyzing your posture, looking at your body system as a whole (including what you put in and how much you exert yourself) we will be able to put you on the road to looking better, moving better and feeling better.
Say goodbye to tension in your neck and body, migraines and headaches because with correct posture you are less likely to suffer.
So what are you waiting for?
Come and see one of our chiropractors today:
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- Headache Australia
- American Chiropractic Association
- Joubert, J. Diagnosing Headache, Australian Family Physician, 2005 34(8):621-625.