Tension Headaches Treatment: A Natural Method

What are Tension Headaches? 

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They are usually described as a pressure or tightening pain on both sides of the head, typically around the temples. They can be caused by stress, muscle tension, or tight neck muscles, and will usually subside after a short period of time.

Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches 

Aside from throbbing pain and pressure, tension headaches may also cause the following symptoms: nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty concentrating. The headache may spread to the back of the head and neck and may even cause you to feel mild nausea or dizziness.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tension Headaches 

Tension headaches are often underpinned by unnatural spinal alignment. When the spinal column is placed under prolonged stress, it typically leads to misalignments in the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine. 

Upper cervical misalignments disrupt the nerve structures and musculature of the neck and upper back, causing strain and inflammation around the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Left untreated, these imbalances can pinch and compress nerves in the neck and head, leading to tension headaches and other musculoskeletal issues.

How Our Tension Headache Treatment Works

At our office, we treat tension headaches and other related conditions by restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical vertebrae. By removing nerve interference and muscle strain, we can relieve tension headaches and restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Our tension headache treatment begins with a comprehensive examination of the spinal column and musculature of the upper back. If we find evidence of vertebral misalignment, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Hoefer, will use cone-beam computed tomography scans and digital X-rays to evaluate the exact angle and location of the affected vertebra.

Once we have assessed the position of your misalignment, Dr. Hoefer will perform a series of gentle adjustments to the vertebrae in your upper cervical spine. These adjustments will restore your natural spinal alignment and relieve pain and discomfort in the head, neck, and upper back. In most cases, one or two sessions is all it takes to relieve tension headaches and restore balance to the body.

If you’re tired of living with tension headaches, upper cervical chiropractic care may be the solution you’re looking for. Dr. Hoefer provides treatment for tension headaches across Orange County, including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Clemente, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.