Chiropractic Care For Headaches
The Fort Collins Chiropractors at Elevate Chiropractic want you to know the positive impact on your health that chiropractic can bring. Take a look at what the latest research shows about the benefits of ongoing chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Benefits for Your Health
Take a look at recent studies spotlighted below. They show that ongoing chiropractic care can have positive effects on headaches.
Chiropractic Benefits for Headaches
In this study chiropractic adjustments (termed SMT in the study) were compared to massage and medications for short term relief of up to six weeks after a month of care. The question of long term health benefits was not addressed. Results showed that the chiropractic group did better than the massage group. The group that received medication also showed relief however; the rate of side effects for the medication group was considerably higher than the chiropractic group. This difference gave a decidedly large advantage to chiropractic over the medication.
According to the report, the financial cost of headaches is great, with billions of dollars spent annually for lost productivity and treatment. The study also noted that medical practitioners have commonly treated people affected with headaches. Recently however, they are increasingly turning to non-medical or alternative therapies for relief. A recent study from Harvard University by Dr. Eisenberg reported that one of the most common alternative practitioners sought out for the treatment of headaches was the chiropractor. This study confirms what most chiropractors and their patients have already known, that chiropractic is one of the most effective avenues of health for headache sufferers.
Vectored upper cervical manipulation for chronic sleep bruxism, headache and cervical spine pain in a child. Knutson, G.J, Manipulative Physiol Ther Vol 26 No. 6 July/August 2003.
This is the case of a six-year-old who had chronic sleep bruxism (causing abnormal tooth wear), morning headaches and cervical spine (neck) pain.
Adjustments to the upper cervical spine using the atlas transverse process as the contact point. There was “complete relief” of her chronic symptoms along with elimination of abnormal joint and structural problems.
Occipital headaches stemming from the lateral atlanto-axial (C1-2) joint. Aprill C, Axinn MJ, Bogduk N. Cephalalgia 2002 Feb;22(1):15-22
The lateral atlanto-axial joints (C1-2) are capable of causing pain in the occiput, but few clinical studies have validated this source of occipital headache.. Patients presenting with occipital pain underwent diagnostic blocks of their lateral atlanto-axial joints if they demonstrated clinical features presumptively suggestive of a C1-2 origin for their pain. Of 34 patients investigated, 21 obtained complete relief of their headache following diagnostic blocks, indicating that a C1-2 source of occipital pain is not rare. [21/34 = 62%]. The clinical features used to select patients for blocks, however, had a positive predictive value of only 60%.
A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Feb. 2000:23(2), PP.91-5.
This was a six month study of 127 migraine sufferers half of whom had diversified chiropractic adjustments. The other half was the control group. Subjects in the manipulation group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in migraine frequency, headache duration, disability and medication use. 22% of those undergoing chiropractic care reported more than 90% reduction in migraines after two months. About 50% reported significant improvement in severity of migraine episodes.
Evidence report: behavioral and physical treatments for tension type and cervicogenic headache. McCrocy D and Gray R Duke University. 2001.
This report from Duke University compares the effectiveness of drug and other therapies for the most common type of headache – the cervicogenic headache. The report stated that chiropractic is more effective for headache (both in frequency and severity) than other soft tissue therapies and that chiropractic is superior to drug therapy, providing markedly superior long-term results.
Encephalgia/Migraine. Bofshever, H. International Chiropractic Pediatric Newsletter Jan/Feb 2000
A ten year-old girl with chronic, severe migraine (6 times a week for the past 3 years) was unable to go to school due to the severity of her condition. She was treated at a Children’s Hospital by a neurologist.
Chiropractic examination revealed VSC at C1/C2. The patient’s headaches improved following her 3rd adjustment (one week) at which time she stopped using PeriactinT Syrup (prescribed by her pediatrician). By the third week she was back in school and started dance classes for the first time in 2 years, “and actually began to smile again.” She was leading a normal and healthy life for a child her age by the end of the 5th visit.
The anatomic basis for the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation in treating headache. Hack, GD Abstracts from the 15th annual upper cervical spine conference Nov. 21-22, 1998. CRJ, Vol. VI, No. 1, Spring 1999.
This paper is by the same doctor who led the team that discovered a musculo-ligamentous relationship between the cervical spine (neck) and the dura mater (covering of the brain stem). The author writes:
An increasing body of literature relates headaches to pathology affecting the cervical spine and a number of clinical trials have demonstrated that chiropractic spinal manipulation directed at the neck is valuable for managing headache.
Mobilization of the Spine. Grieve GP (1984) Churchill Livingston, London/New York, 4th edition, 22-23.
All those experienced in manipulation can report numerous examples of migrainous headaches, disequilibrium (vertigo), subjective visual disturbances, feelings of retro-orbital pressure, dysphagia, dysphonia, heaviness of a limb, extra segmental paraesthesia. Restriction of respiratory excursion, abdominal nausea and the cold sciatic leg being relieved by manual or mechanical treatment of the vertebral column.
Unconventional medicine in the United States, Eisenberg, DM et al., NEJM 28 May 1993. Pp.246-252.
Twenty-seven percent of Americans who visit alternative health care providers do so for headache relief.
The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for prophylaxis of migraine headache. Nelson CF, Bronfort G, Evans R, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, October 1998: Vol. 21, No. 8, pp 511-19.
This study compared the relative effectiveness of treating migraines with chiropractic care, the anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug amitriptyline (brand name Elavil); and with a combination of both the drug therapy and chiropractic care.
Patients who received only chiropractic showed significant improvement, on a par with those given the powerful prescription drug (though without the side effects). The headache index, from a diary kept by each patient, showed chiropractic to have reduced the severity and frequency of headaches as well or better than the combined therapy or amitriptyline alone at each stage of the study.
Spectrum of pathophysiological disorders in cervicogenic headache and its therapeutic indications. Martelletti P, LaTour D, Giacovazzo M Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System 1995; 3:182-7.
Patients were diagnosed with cervicogenic headache (headache arising from neck structures) and received chiropractic care. The patients reported improvement.
Joy C. – “5 Stars”
“I’ve been so encouraged and relieved by the kind, thorough, and gracious care I’ve received at Elevate. It’s such a life changer to have a break from migraines, and I’m so excited to see the growing benefits after each visit. I’m truly grateful to have found you guys!”
Sharon S. – “5 Stars”
“Dr. Dan and Dr. Andres are incredible! I was extremely skeptical about any chiropratic doctors. I was actually almost dragged here by my daughter 🙂
It turns out one of the best things for my back pain! I was recently out of the country for an extended time, and when I came back and got adjusted, it was instant relief again!! Elevate has definitely changed my quality of life”
Autumn O. – “5 Stars”
“The environment is so comfortable and welcoming. They are very knowledgeable about all aspects of the body and will change how your body feels in many aspects. I never knew my nausea could be associated with my kneck and back pain but it has significantly improved since my treatment!”
Charlie C. – “5 Stars”
“I feel so fortunate to have found Elevate Chiropractic! Dr. Dan and his wonderful team are professional, kind, and, most importantly, committed to helping their patients heal. What truly impressed me was Dr. Dan’s method of empowering patients regarding their health: All new patients are first given a tour of the facility guided by one of his lovely team members – complete with the history of chiropractic medicine – before sitting down to a lesson taught by Dr. Dan himself, explaining the spine and nervous system (and how they can go awry) and his unique chiropractic methodology. It’s all truly fascinating and empowering and important to understand as a patient. Dr. Dan stresses that we patients are doctors ourselves – meaning that we know the most about our own bodies and our own ails, and he is simply there to help facilitate our own body’s healing process. This COMPLETELY blew my mind – After suffering from debilitating Chronic Migraines for over 6 years now, all of my previous doctors never spoke to me like that – like an actual partner in my health! Thinking about it is literally bringing tears to my eyes!
I have been a patient for five months now and I have felt real improvement – it’s incremental, and I still have bad days, of course – but I have had more “good brain” days than I have in YEARS, and I have noticed more energy/stamina and better sleep. Amazing! I would highly recommend Dr. Dan to anyone, but especially to those with chronic conditions that have not been helped by traditional medicine.
Thank you Dr. Dan!! :)”
Tyler S. – “5 Stars”
“The whole team at Elevate Chiropractic is phenomenal and 100% dedicated to customer satisfaction. It is refreshing to work with health professionals who’s philosophy is to correct and treat health issues at the root versus treating symptoms.”
Hillary M. – “5 Stars”
“They are extremely thorough and are all about education, which is exactly what I was looking for. I really appreciate their knowledge, it is clear they love what they do! They blow all other chiropractor experiences out of the water. Highly recommend!”
We are on a mission to educate our community about the benefits of chiropractic.
Scientific research shows that chiropractic care is a proven method to affect overall nervous system function and health, without the need for invasive procedure or medications.
Take Action Today For Better Health
As Dr. Dan Wallis often says, “Procrastination is the thief of all health!” The main thing to strive for is to take action now and make a difference in your own health and the health of your family members. Taking a step in the right direction for your health is a phenomenal thing. Join your neighbors in Fort Collins and take action today for your health.
The Chiropractic Assessment from Elevate Chiropractic is like no other and can be the stepping stone for better health for you and your family. It’s an easy, no-obligation way to learn what your spine and central nervous system is telling you about your health. We urge you to make your appointment today!
Our Mission Is To Elevate YOU!
There’s no better way to tell you about the improvements in health that occur every day in our chiropractic office than to have you listen to the patients just like you.
Every day, we hear about how chiropractic adjustments can make all the difference in the lives of Fort Collins area residents. Take a look at this testimonial about the healing power of chiropractic and call us today to schedule your comprehensive chiropractic assessment.
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Visit Today
Dr. Dan Wallis
Elevate Chiropractic
901 E Harmony Rd #130
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 624-0424
Email Us
info@nullelevatetolife.com
Call The Elevate Chiropractic Office
(970) 624-0424
Hours
Monday: 7am-11am and 3pm-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-3:30pm
Wednesday: 7am-11am and 3pm-5pm
Thursday: 9am-3:30pm
Friday: 7am-11am
Saturday-Sunday: Closed