Certain chiropractic techniques are thought to help ease chronic headaches and migraines.
By realigning the spine,chiropractorscan take pressure off nerves and blood vessels, providing relief from headaches andmigraines.
Despite the potential benefits, there are risks associated with chiropractic adjustments.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Some studies suggest that around 87% of migraine sufferers report seeing a chiropractor to treat headache pain.
Althoughmigrainesare largely thought to be a neurological condition, studies suggest thatmusculoskeletalconditions like neck pain also contribute.
Even so, it is not clear how spinal manipulation helps.
Cervical SMT is typically done when the patient is lying on their back.
Variations of the procedure can also performed with the patient lying face down.
Even so, there is little evidence that SMT is more effective than physical therapy in managing cervicogenic headaches.
Chiropractic treatment has not proven to be useful in managing this throw in of headache.
How Often Do You Need a Chiropractor for Headaches?
The frequency of chiropractor treatments varies largely by the severity of your headaches.
The concern is mainly centered around the potential harm resulting from spinal manipulations.
People at an increased risk of stroke should also avoid spinal manipulation.
A coordinated approach typically yields the best results.
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Ohio State College of Medicine.Cervical manipulation clinical practice guidelines.
2018 Oct 17;18:171. doi:10.1186/s12883-018-1173-6
American Medical Association.AMA successfully fights scope of practice expansions that threaten patient safety.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Spinal manipulation: what you better know.
