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The Chronic Pain Crisis is the Opioid Crisis

For decades, opioids were marketed as a “safer” alternative to treat chronic pain.

And as the number of people seeking care for chronic pain began to rise, so did the number of people filling prescriptions for highly addictive opioids.

If you’ve ever wondered “What is the opioid crisis?” – that’s the simple answer.

However, what many don’t realize is that what we currently refer to as the opioid crisis started as a chronic pain epidemic.

Why it Matters:

Over the past few years, major healthcare agencies have recognized that non-pharmacological approaches should be the first line of care to manage chronic pain.

The best way to combat the opioid crisis is to focus on non-pharmacological solutions to the chronic pain epidemic.

And recent studies have indicated that there are more than a few reasons to be hopeful.

These studies have shown that non-drug treatment options, such as chiropractic, can be very effective at helping people reduce the development and recurrence of chronic pain.

Even study participants with severe chronic pain reported experiencing significant benefits from the chiropractic care they received.

Next Steps:

While we can’t undo the damage that has been done, we can learn from the past.

This recent and unprecedented shift to a primarily non-pharmacological based approach to pain management is a start.

And if you’ve been looking for a pain chiropractor in [your city / town / neighborhood], look no further.

Our practice is proud to partner with other healthcare providers who support a natural approach to pain management.

We’ll work together to overcome your chronic pain without the dangerous side effects and addiction issues others have experienced with opioid medications.

The Opioid Crisis: How Did We End Up Here?

If you make it a habit to watch the news, you’ve probably wondered on more than one occasion “How did the opioid crisis start?”

Well, the answer might surprise you.

About 30 years ago, there was a fundamental shift in medicine regarding how pain was understood and treated.

The number of people with chronic pain seemed to be rising, and it was thought that the options to address the pain weren’t adequate.

Why it Matters:

As doctors paid more attention to assessing pain, they also paid more attention to treating pain.

Enter opioids.

Opioid medications began to be prescribed more and more frequently for chronic low back or neck pain.

Surprisingly, up until then, opioids were only prescribed for severe pain after surgery or advanced-stage cancer.

But that all changed in the early 1990’s.

New opioids formulas were promoted as being less addictive, and physicians were encouraged to prescribe these drugs far more liberally than before, including for the care of chronic pain.

Prescribing these drugs very quickly created and exposed a number of problems.

Healthcare professionals noted how rapidly patients adapted to the drugs, meaning larger and larger doses had to be prescribed to sustain those promised pain suppressing effects as time went on.

That, of course, indicated these drugs weren’t very effective at addressing chronic pain.

They provided short-term relief, but they seemed to become less useful for many people as time went on.

What’s more, the euphoric feelings often associated with these drugs put it’s users at a high risk for addiction.

Next Steps:

Now, some 30-odd years later, we are witnessing an opioid crisis.

If there is a silver lining to be found, we as a collective now realize that the answers and treatment of chronic pain are rarely found in a bottle.

Many leading healthcare organizations are now recommending non-pharmacological approaches to treating chronic pain including chiropractic.

If you would like to explore a drug-free approach to pain relief, schedule an appointment with us today.

As the leading natural pain doctor in Mount Pleasant, we have the tools and know how you’ve been looking for.

Our doors are always open, and we’re here to help!

Organic Healthcare: No Prescription Necessary

Bottom Line:

 

Did you know that chiropractors and holistic chiropractors are one and the same?

 

The term chiropractic comes from the Greek words cheir (hands) and praxis (practice).

 

It literally means “done by hand,” and chiropractic is among the most popular health treatments sought by those seeking holistic healthcare in Mount Pleasant.

 

Since the beginning, chiropractors have been focused on helping the body heal itself naturally without the use of prescription medications or invasive surgeries.

 

In some ways, chiropractors were the world’s first ‘organic” health professionals!

 

And while modern chiropractic began way back in 1895, many people still don’t exactly understand how chiropractic care works… or when it makes sense to see a chiropractor.

 

Let’s start with the basics.

Why it Matters:

If you’ve been living with aches and pain, it’s often connected to distorted movement patterns that affect your neuromusculoskeletal system – your brain, nerves, muscles, bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, etc.

And those abnormal movement patterns can happen for a variety of reasons that range from long hours at a computer and repetitive stress to sudden injuries.

Correcting those abnormal movement patterns with gentle, safe, effective, and non-invasive treatments is where chiropractors shine and why you shouldn’t hesitate to seek holistic healthcare in Mount Pleasant from a chiropractor if you’re in pain.

For many, a few targeted adjustments to the affected joints can help reset any distorted movement patterns which in turn can make a significant impact on their overall pain levels, mobility, and well-being.

 

In one recent study, researchers observed a measurable improvement in the biomechanical and functional performance in low back pain patients immediately following adjustments.

 

Participants were able to both move and complete tasks more efficiently and freely and with less pain.

 

In yet another study, researchers found that chiropractic care was associated with significant improvements in health-related quality of life over time, especially in pain.

 

Chiropractic Care is Holistic Healthcare

 

It’s important to point out that chiropractors – aka, holistic chiropractors – follow a whole person approach.

 

It’s not all about the adjustment.

 

For example, chiropractors perform a comprehensive history and examination during your first appointment.

 

This helps us determine what may be the result of any spinal issues and it also gives us the important information we need to advise you about simple lifestyle changes that have the potential to help you find lasting relief from other symptoms and boost the results of your care.

Let’s take a moment to recap…

 

 

● Abnormal movement patterns, chronic stress, and an inflammatory diet can often cause aches and pains in your spine and joints.

● Our care plans are designed to help you reach your health goals as quickly as possible.

● Adjusting the joints of your body can both help to decrease your pain and increase your functional ability.

 

 

Next Steps:

 

Many of our patients made the decision to contact a holistic chiropractor because their health goals are focused on staying active and pain-free, naturally.

 

If that sounds like you and you’ve been curious about your holistic healthcare options in [your city / town, neighborhood], call us today!

 

Chiropractors use several safe, non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatments including lifestyle education, adjustments, massage, and even exercises to help you get and stay well.

 

And you can rest assured that our care plan recommendations will be based on both our findings and your personal health goals.

 

We work together with you, from identifying and addressing the cause of your symptoms to finding practical, natural long-term resolutions.

 

We’re here for you, so don’t hesitate to give us a call to get started today!

Your Body is Designed to Move

Bottom Line:

 

Your body is built to move and the benefits of movement for your body are immeasurable.

 

Every spinal disc and every individual joint was designed to help you sit, stand, run, and do everything in between.

 

That’s a big part of why we provide functional movement tests in Mount Pleasant – to help ensure every part of your body is moving the way it was designed to so you can feel and function your best for as long as possible.

 

Really, think about it…

 

Your discs are soft enough to allow you to flex and bend in every direction.

 

Your facet joints slide and glide in concert with one another so you can turn, twist, and extend.

 

Your vertebrae are connected by ligaments that support you as your push and pull.

 

Maintaining all those moving parts is important.

 

Your body is an incredibly strong, complex, and resilient system that both powers and is itself powered by movement and the benefits of movement.

 

In other words, motion is life and movement is medicine.

 

Here’s why.

Why it Matters:

 

Recent research has given us a glimpse at just how important movement is in our life.

 

For instance, it’s been observed that one of the benefits of movement of the spine is that it can stimulate and accelerate the body’s healing process, yet another reason that scheduling a functional movement test in [your city / town, neighborhood] is so important if you’re not moving as well as you once did.

 

In fact, movement is so crucial to the body’s healing process that even people who have spine surgery are encouraged to get up and move as quickly as possible after surgery!

 

Here’s how it all breaks down:

 

● All of the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints of your spine are designed to support daily movement.

● Blood flow, strength, and flexibility are all enhanced through movement.

● Movement of the individual segments of your spine can also affect how you heal.

 

It’s been said, “you don’t get old then stiff, you get stiff then old.”

 

Take it from us, that’s the truth!

 

Functional Movement Tests, Chiropractic Care, and the Benefits of Movement

 

As you may have guessed, as chiropractors we believe in the innate ability of the body to heal itself and the very real benefits of movement, so we’ve been trained to work with just about every joint in your body in addition to those in the spine.

 

Adjustments are just one of the non-invasive tools we use to help get them back to moving at their best – limb by limb, joint by joint.

 

One of the top benefits of spinal adjustments is that they can help dramatically reduce your daily aches and pains – and that’s especially important since pain is the #1 obstacle that keeps many people from enjoying their favorite activities.

 

Another way adjustments can help improve your quality of life involves resetting any faulty movement patterns so that your body is working together and moving well as a whole, and that’s why we perform functional movement tests in our [your city / town, neighborhood] clinic.

 

Remember, move better, feel better!

 

In fact, in several studies, researchers observed that people receiving spinal adjustments reported a higher quality of life in general than those who weren’t – less pain, less down days.

 

To take that a step further, sport-specific performance improvements are yet another one of the fantastic benefits of movement powered by spinal adjustments.

 

Achieving optimal flexibility, biomechanics, range of motion, and movement are all reasons why many leading athletes get adjusted consistently as part of their training.

 

Whatever you do, chiropractic care can help you feel your best so you can do what you need to do and do what you love to do reliably for years to come.

Next Steps:

 

We believe that encouraging healthy movement and regular physical activity is a big part of our job as your wellness team.

 

So, if you have any questions about getting a functional movement test in Mount Pleasant or other stretches, exercises, and different ways to proactively stay healthy, don’t hesitate to ask!

 

And be sure to follow us on social media for even more great wellness tips daily.

 

We want to help you leverage the benefits of movement – whether you’re young or young at heart – so you can keep your spine and body feeling, moving, and functioning at their best for as long as possible.

 

We also encourage you to stay proactive with your health by making sure you have your next appointment scheduled.

 

And if it’s your first time visiting our practice, know that from questions to functional movement tests in [your city / town, neighborhood] to treatment, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.

The Brain + Spine Connection

Bottom Line:

 

Odds are, you’ve pondered on the brain-body connection a time or two here and there, and for good reason.

 

Every thought and movement in your life occurs through your brain or spinal cord – commonly referred to as our central nervous system.

 

The spinal cord both carries nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body and receives sensory input from the body and transmits that information back to the brain.

 

Your spinal column is the armor that protects your spinal cord as it travels down through your body and branches off into the nerves that power that brain-body connection.

 

Every moment, millions (literally, millions!) of messages are moving along your spinal cord to maintain the necessary balance between your brain and body you need to function.

 

Needless to say, ensuring your spine as a whole is feeling and functioning at its best is important, and we’re here to help if you’re looking for holistic joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant.

 

And here’s something you may not know…

 

Recent research has shown that our hands-on chiropractic adjustments can positively impact the chemistry of your brain!

 

Read on to learn more.

 

 

Why it Matters:

 

Yes, chiropractic adjustments have the potential to alter the levels of different biochemical pain markers in your brain for the better.

 

So, what are biochemical pain markers?

 

When we talk about biochemical pain markers, we’re talking about chemical substances that can influence your perception of pain.

 

For example, let’s look at neurotensin and oxytocin in this brain-body connection.

 

Neurotensin is associated with pain blocking as well as the regulation of dopamine, and, similarly, oxytocin is associated with both a decreased sensitivity to pain and an improved mood.

 

Increased levels of each of these chemical messengers in the body can promote an overall reduction in pain.

 

It’s no wonder chiropractic adjustments are recommended first by many local healthcare professionals for neck, back, and joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant.

 

Consider what we know…

 

● Your brain and body are in constant communication through your central and peripheral nervous systems.

● Increased levels of neurotensin, oxytocin, and other similar chemical substances in the body can promote an overall reduction in pain.

● Chiropractic adjustments to your neck or back have been connected to immediate increased levels of those same pain-relieving substances.

 

Chiropractic, the Brain-Body Connection, and Joint Pain Treatment

 

In recent studies, researchers observed both decreased cortisol levels and improved motor control following chiropractic adjustments (spinal manipulative therapy).

 

What’s more, other recent studies have also shown that chiropractic adjustments can be more effective than spinal injections for treating disc issues.

 

In short, for those seeking pain relief, a strong case exists for chiropractic.

 

The results we discussed here are a big part of why many top medical organizations now operate under a conservative care first model for the treatment of chronic pain.

 

Next Steps:

 

Over the past 100 years, scientists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have observed and learned a lot about the brain-body connection.

 

In our practice, we’ve seen first-hand just how chiropractic care can strengthen the connection between your brain and body, and we’ve helped many people seeking non-invasive joint pain treatment in [your city / town / neighborhood] feel and function better.

 

And considering that the spinal cord can send information to your brain at a rate of over 250 mph, it’s no surprise that those who walk through our doors leave with less stress and less pain after just a few minutes of adjusting.

 

Aging, healing, and your entire life experience happen through a constant concert of communication and coordination between your brain and body.

 

And keeping that all-important organ under your hat and everything underneath functioning at their best can help you maintain an optimal brain-body connection.

 

So, if you’ve had a hard time staying active due to pain, know that we specialize in holistic, gentle joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant, and we’re here to help.

 

We invite you to schedule an evaluation with our compassionate team of experts today.

 

Together, let’s get you on the road to lasting pain relief!

Disc Issues and Chiropractic

Bottom Line:

 

Disc herniations, bulges, protrusions, and extrusions (oh my!) are some of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor.

 

In fact, most people see a chiropractor not just because they have lower back disc issues but because such conditions have caused a significant impact on their quality of life.

 

The good news?

 

You can get natural, non-invasive treatment for a herniated disc in Mount Pleasant.

 

The research doesn’t lie and backs up what we’ve witnessed for years – chiropractic care provides outstanding results for people with lower back disc issues.

 

Why it Matters:

 

A spinal disc has a soft, jellylike center encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior – referred to as the nucleus and annulus, respectively.

 

A herniated (or slipped or ruptured) disc happens when some of the nucleus pushes its way through the annulus, and while this can occur in any part of the spine, herniated discs are most often found in or near the low back.

 

And it may surprise you to know that no two patients who’ve come to us seeking treatment for a herniated disc in Mount Pleasant are alike.

 

In some cases, those with lower back disc issues have no symptoms.

 

In other cases where a patient has been living with a herniated disc or other lumbar disc condition, they report pain, numbness, or weakness in other parts of the body.

 

The good news is that these symptoms tend to improve over time, and invasive intervention is not required in most cases.

 

That’s because your body has an incredible ability to heal without drugs or surgery – yes, even from disc herniations!

 

In fact, movement can be thought of as medicine for the body.

 

That’s why our team specializes in natural treatment for disc herniations and more in [your city / town / neighborhood].

 

We know that there are specific chiropractic techniques that can positively influence the pressure on your spinal discs.

 

Chiropractic Care as a Treatment for Herniated Discs and Lower Back Disc Issues

 

Recent studies have also shown that conservative treatment options like chiropractic adjustments can be more effective than spinal injections for treating disc issues.

 

Still more studies have shown that movement, reducing intra-discal stress, and opening up the channels your nerves pass through can improve how you feel and help accelerate the healing process.

 

Consider that disc herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear.

 

As we age, our discs become less flexible and more prone to dysfunction – oftentimes, most people can’t pinpoint the cause of their herniated disc.

 

Sometimes, lifting a heavy object with your back rather than from your legs can lead to a herniated disc; the same can happen if you don’t have the support you need to turn while lifting said object.

 

It’s easy to see why maintaining disc health is so important.

 

Making time for regular exercise, making it a point to maintain good posture, and getting screened and adjusted regularly by your favorite chiropractor are so important to ensuring the health of your spinal discs.

● Exercise helps stretch and strengthen the muscles that stabilize and support the spine.

● Practicing proper posture also helps reduce excess pressure on your spinal discs.

● Chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper motion of the spine as a whole.

 

Remember, your body has an incredible ability to heal itself, and that’s what we’re here to help you with, especially if you’ve been looking for an alternative or more holistic treatment for a disc herniation in Mount Pleasant.

Next Steps:

 

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again – chiropractic care provides outstanding results for people with lower back disc issues.

 

As you just read, recent studies have shown that people with disc herniations have reported experiencing better, longer-lasting pain relief with chiropractic adjustments versus injections.

 

So, know that if you have received an MRI that indicates you might be living with some lower back disc issues, it certainly does NOT automatically mean that surgery or injections are your only options.

 

Give us a call today to discover a natural way to find relief.

 

Our doors are open, we specialize in natural, non-invasive treatment for herniated discs in Mount Pleasant, and we’re here to help!

Facet Joints: Gliding Your Way to Better Health

Bottom Line:

 

If you’ve had neck or back pain that you could pinpoint with your finger or felt a sharp pain in your back when moving, the cause may have been some sort of dysfunction with one or more of the facet joints (often the lumbar facet joints) of your spine.

 

So, what are the facet joints?

 

Think of these joints as the “knuckles” of your spine that glide, slide, and stabilize.

 

They both add flexibility to your spine so you’re able to bend and twist your back and also help to keep you from “over doing” any of those motions (i.e., hyperextending or hyper flexing).

 

Needless to say, ensuring your facet joints are functioning at their best is important to making sure you’re able to move freely, and if you think you might need facet joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant, you’ve come to the right place!

 

Here’s what you should know.

Why it Matters:

 

As we age, our spinal discs also age, and it’s our facet joints – often our lumbar facet joints – that take on the extra load.

 

And, as you may have guessed, this excess stress and pressure can wear them down.

 

This can lead to the development of adhesions, bone spurs, and pain that can all limit our ability to move freely.

 

The good news? Targeted spinal adjustments can help break up adhesions in and around your lumbar facet joints, cervical facet joints, and the other joints in your spine to help reduce pain and restore proper motion.

 

That’s why our team specializes in facet joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant.

 

To recap, here’s what we know…

 

● The facet joints of your spine slide and glide to allow you to bend and twist your body.

● As we age, adhesions can develop in our facet joints that restrict how well we move.

● Adjustments help break up adhesions surrounding the facets so you can once again move freely and with less pain.

 

 

Chiropractic Care for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain Treatment

 

There’s a wide range of research supporting the use of chiropractic care for the management of adhesions and pain related to the lumbar facet joints and understanding the results of those

studies can help you decide if facet joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant may be right for you.

 

For your reference, here’s some basic terminology you’ll find helpful when reviewing any such studies:

 

● The facet joints are also referred to as “Z” (zygapophyseal) joints.

● Chiropractic care / adjustments is also referred to as SMT (spinal manipulative therapy).

● The term “gapping” refers to the physical manipulation or mobilization of the joints.

 

In one recent study, researchers set out to understand the effects spinal manipulative therapy and specifically gapping of the “Z” joints can have on the adhesions and pain in the lower back.

 

In other words, they wanted to understand the effects chiropractic adjustments can have on adhesions surrounding the lumbar facet joints and any related low back pain to help evaluate its effectiveness as a facet joint pain treatment option.

 

And as it turns out, they did in fact observe that study participants reported both a reduction in pain and a reduction in restricted movement after receiving chiropractic care.

 

We’ve observed the same in those patients receiving facet joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant at our clinic.

 

Such results demonstrate why conservative care like chiropractic is recommended as first-line therapy to treat low back and pain related to the facet joints.

Next Steps:

 

The facet joints of your spine – whether we’re talking about the cervical facet joints or lumbar facet joints – crave movement.

 

Movement is medicine, after all!

 

Movement helps the facet joints stay healthy and may even help slow down the effects of aging.

 

Spinal adjustments have been shown to reduce adhesions in these joints and others so you can move more freely and with less pain.

 

When you move better, you feel better, and we’re proud to be a part of the healthcare team that helps you stay active.

 

So, if you’ve been living with back pain and you’re nearby, know we’re here to provide the best facet joint pain treatment in Mount Pleasant, and our compassionate team is just a phone call away.

Relieving Migraine Headaches

The Bottom Line

 

Few things can ruin your day as much as a headache.

Relieving migraine headaches in particular can feel impossible.

They can seemingly appear out of nowhere, though they may hint at their arrival with two other heavy hitters: visual discomfort and nausea.

Whatever the symptoms, a migraine is one visitor you don’t want sticking around.

 

Why it Matters

Take it from the leading chiropractic migraine specialist in Mount Pleasant – knowing when a migraine is starting and understanding what matters when it comes to preventing and relieving migraine headaches is critical to improving your quality of life.

Let’s take a look at the four phases of a migraine headache.

Four Phases of Migraine

 

There are typically four phases of a migraine that many sufferers will experience:

Premonitory

 

This phase is usually the warning that a migraine is coming on. Many people will experience mood swings, neck stiffness, and constipation.

Aura

About 1 in 4 people who suffer from migraines will get an aura.

Migraine sufferers often report visual or sensory auras in the minutes before the actual headache. Visual auras can result in flashing lights and blurred vision, whereas sensory auras affect speech and the ability to think clearly.

Vision problems usually start 20 minutes to an hour before the headache. Even if you don’t get an aura, the headache itself may cause vision trouble.

Headache

 

A migraine headache can be moderate or severe and is likely to occur on only one side of the head. Migraine sufferers will notice that their headaches worsen with physical activity, so rest is critical..

Postdrome

 

The final phase in the migraine cycle is the postdrome. This occurs once the headache ends and leaves the afflicted person feeling exhausted.

 

Treatment Options for Relieving Migraine Headaches

Many migraine headache sufferers do not receive effective care.

For example, in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, it’s estimated that only half of chronic migraine sufferers seek the help of a healthcare professional, despite the often significantly disruptive symptoms.

These include:

● Throbbing headaches of moderate to severe intensity on one side of the head.

● The appearance of nausea and vision changes.

● Recurring episodes can last anywhere from hours to days.

Most are solely reliant on over-the-counter medications even though there are no surefire options that exist for relieving migraine headaches.

Similarly, it’s estimated that half of the people who experience chronic or occasional headaches will fall back on attempting to self-treat with over-the-counter pain medications despite the increased risk of experiencing rebound headaches that can happen as a result of overuse.

When it comes to migraines, this risk here is associated most with aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine combinations.

Of course, based on the symptoms and stages characteristic of most migraines, it’s easy to see why many people aren’t aware that there are non-pharmacological ways to manage their attacks.

Many of our local migraine patients who come in often relay this as a reason they waited so long to find a chiropractic migraine specialist in [your city / town / neighborhood].

Trust us, when the first time the headache comes back is reason enough to see a healthcare professional.

Just like with cervicogenic and tension headaches, it is possible to lessen the frequency, intensity, and severity of your migraines with a combination of lifestyle changes and chiropractic care.

While the cause of migraines is unclear, there are specific triggers that are often attributed to their onset.

Knowing what those triggers are and making proactive changes to any daily habits that may be associated with those triggers is crucially important to finding lasting relief from migraine headaches.

And, in one recent study, researchers observed a significant reduction in migraine days for those participants receiving chiropractic care.

 

Next Steps

 

The good news is that you can start effectively relieving migraine headaches by being proactive with your daily habits.

You know now that making time for periodic chiropractic care is an important step in finding relief from migraine pain, so don’t skip that next (or first!) adjustment.

If you’re looking for a chiropractic migraine specialist in [your city / town / neighborhood], our doors are open and we’re ready to help you find relief!

What about those triggers we mentioned?

Here are some of the most common:

● Consumption of alcoholic or caffeinated drinks and tobacco

● Periods of stress

● Exposure to intense lights or smells

● Periods of intense physical exertion

● Changes to sleeping or eating habits

● Certain medications

● Consumption of aged, salty, or processed foods and certain food additives

Migraine sufferers do well with preventive measures such as diet changes or taking steps to reduce stress.

If you need help determining which triggers are contributing to your headaches, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next appointment.

To ensure you’re on the right path and headed toward lasting relief from your migraines, it’s wise to connect with a healthcare professional.

“Doctor Google” isn’t really a doctor after all!

Our compassionate team has personally dealt with our own share of migraine headaches, and we’re here for you!

From lifestyle optimization advice to chiropractic adjustments and beyond, let us help you put those migraines in the rear view mirror.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Daily Headaches

The Bottom Line

 

Half of the world’s adult population struggles with headaches at least once a year.

And while headaches can seem like no big deal most of the time, they also cause very real pain that affects your quality of life.

We’ve talked to a number of patients who regularly put off seeing a chiropractor specializing in headaches in [your city / town / neighborhood] to help them find relief because so many of us write off headaches as just another part of life.

But, why learn to live with daily headaches when you can ease them away, naturally?

Read on to learn about the very real benefits of chiropractic care for daily headaches.

 

Why it Matters

 

If you’re here, it’s probably no secret to you that a quick visit to a chiropractor can provide you with the care you need to find actual relief from head, neck, or back pain.

Headaches are among the primary reasons many people in many different countries worldwide see a chiropractor.

Most people think of a visit to the chiropractor when their head, neck, or back hurts for good reason.

We can help you find lasting relief from your headaches in a variety of ways (especially if you’re looking for a chiropractor specializing in headaches in Mount Pleasant.

Here’s a quick overview of the top 3 reasons you can benefit from chiropractic care for daily headaches.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Headaches

 

1. We Follow a Whole Person Approach

 

We will perform a comprehensive history and examination during your initial assessment. This assessment will help us first determine if your symptoms are the result of any spinal issues. We’ll also rule out other possible causes of your headaches.

Your history and examination can help us identify your headache triggers so we can advise you about the lifestyle changes you need to find relief as part of your chiropractic care for daily headaches.

For example, the foods you eat can contribute to your risk of experiencing frequent headaches.

2. We Administer Person Specific Chiropractic Adjustments and Care

 

Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can help improve headache pain.

Let’s look at cervicogenic headaches as an example. A cervicogenic headache is referred pain in the head from the neck. It’s what we call a secondary headache because it’s caused by another physical issue in the body.

Researchers studying the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for the care of these headaches have presented findings supporting the use of adjustments to lessen their intensity, frequency, and duration. In other studies, chiropractic adjustments were found to provide more relief than deep massage.

In still other studies, chiropractic care has proven to be helpful for the management of chronic migraines.

In an age where medication overuse is frequent, the effectiveness of chiropractic care for daily headaches is exciting news that more people need to know.

Relying too much on medications to mask your symptoms means that many people may never treat the root cause of their headaches.

Those same people also become more at risk for experiencing medication rebound headaches – yes, you read that right. Medication overuse will almost certainly lead to more headaches.

Chiropractors use a number of safe, non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatments for headaches. These include lifestyle education, manual or device-assisted spinal adjustments, spinal mobilization, heat/ice, massage, advanced soft-tissue therapies, and even strengthening and conditioning exercises as you’ll see next.

Most people are familiar with the hands-on aspect of chiropractic care for daily headaches, and our clinicians are highly trained in performing gentle and effective spinal adjustments. This training allows us to use our hands to apply a small force to a specific spinal j

force is applied, you might hear a slight pop, and some people feel immediate relief!

3. We Give Guidance That Includes Therapeutic Exercises

 

As we just noted, yes, chiropractors often incorporate strengthening and conditioning exercises into their patients’ care plans.

We want you to find lasting relief after all, and movement goes a long way!

Deep neck flexion exercises are great for treating the cervicogenic headaches we covered above.

Other active care techniques and exercises are another component of chiropractic care for daily headaches that can be performed from the comfort of your own home to help you ease your headaches between your appointments.

 

Next Steps:

 

It’s time to bring an end to that throbbing in your head, and we’re here to help!

You don’t need to continue to live in pain.

The benefits of chiropractic care for daily headaches are real.

Movement is a critical part of the healing process, which is why spinal adjustments are so effective and seeing a chiropractor specializing in headaches in Mount Pleasant is so important – yes, we’re talking to you neighbor!

If it’s been some time since your last adjustment or you’re ready for your first, give us a call.

Our team will be with you every step of the way on your road to headache relief!

The Link Between Stress and Headaches

The Bottom Line

Are you feeling rushed? Are you dreading a big meeting at work?

Take it from the leading provider of natural tension headache treatment in Mount Pleasant- these events can all add up to stress and headaches.

Often it’s not the event itself that results in a headache but your body’s reaction to stress.

If you deal with stress by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you may be more likely to experience headaches due to these coping behaviors.

So, why does this happen and what can be done about the stress and headaches cycle? Read on.

Why it Matters

 

Way back when, our bodies evolved our fight or flight response for the purpose of making sure we would be adequately prepared to deal with any of the physical dangers we very realistically could have encountered on a daily basis.

As a result, our heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to our extremities all increase during such an event. It’s this fight or flight response that allowed us to effectively prepare for battle or to flee from predators in the wild.

Of course, we’re still hardwired with this very useful and necessary instinct, but times certainly have changed! Today, our bodies find it more difficult to differentiate between physical danger and psychological stress. We may react to that dreaded big meeting at work with the same internal reactions as if we were being chased by someone or something!

So, how does all this relate to headaches?

If there’s one thing you should understand about stress, it’s that it can and often will worsen your symptoms when you’re not feeling well.

There is a very real link between all kinds of stress and headaches.

Episodic headaches, or those that occur sporadically, are often triggered by isolated, stressful incidents.

A few of the most common everyday stress triggers include anxiety, poor sleep habits, or significant life changes.

Chronic headaches are often triggered by daily, constant stress and a lack of regular exercise.

To help you combat this cycle of stress and headaches, we’ve compiled a list of some of our top tips for reducing stress so you can reduce your headaches.

 

Tips for Reducing Stress and Headaches

Exercise More

 

Regular exercise boosts endorphins, which help put you in a better mood.

Making time to get up, get out, and get moving regularly also helps boost your overall energy levels so you can shift your focus away from whatever event or string of events is stressing you out.

Get Some Sleep

 

We repeat: get some sleep to turn the dial down on stress and headaches.

When you can, aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and do your best to keep your sleep schedule consistent.

Falling asleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help you fall into a healthy sleep pattern.

Recent studies indicate that our sleeping habits can contribute to our risk of experiencing headaches, particularly migraines.

In fact, the majority of people living with chronic migraines and other chronic types of headaches often also experience some level of insomnia.

Relax

 

This is more than just a mantra when it comes to reducing stress and headaches, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s important to set aside time to specifically practice relaxation techniques that can help you feel calm during periods of high stress.

Meditation and yoga are two techniques that can help you feel both physically and mentally relaxed so you can mitigate the onset of stress.

See a Chiropractor

 

Keeping your spinal joints moving correctly can help reduce the strain on your spine and its supporting muscles.

Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent-up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly.

So, come see us for natural tension headache treatment in Mount Pleasant.

Tension headaches are triggered when the neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, and this often occurs when we hold our heads in one position for an extended period of time. Many people spend their days working at a desk, and doing so for hours on end usually results in an uptick in tension headaches. Sleeping with your neck in an awkward position may also trigger a tension headache.

Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can help headache patients find lasting relief.

Chiropractic adjustments to specific joints in the neck, upper body, back, and other extremities can help correct the physical imbalances behind those tension headaches so you not only move better but feel better.

 

Next Steps

 

So, can stress cause headaches? Yes.

While there is a link between stress and headaches, now you know there are very simple, real ways you can combat this cycle.

Remember, when you feel your stress levels starting to rise, take a moment to practice your favorite relaxation techniques.

Make time for essential preventative self-care like daily exercise, balanced meals, and balanced sleep.

And be sure to periodically schedule visits with your favorite chiropractic team.

If you’re interested in natural tension headache treatment in Mount Pleasant, we’d love to help you!

Our expert team will work together with you to keep your body relaxed and moving well to help you find lasting relief from stress and headaches.