Relieving Headaches with Chiropractic
Aug 01, 2011 08:47AM ● By Dr. John Duffy
Chiropractic has helped many people who suffer from headaches, especially migraines. Nerves that course through the upper back and neck control blood flow to the brain. When these nerves are irritated through knots and kinks in the upper back and neck, blood flow is inhibited, resulting in headaches. By adjusting the upper back and neck, the blood flow to the brain is greatly improved, and headaches are reduced or eliminated.
Chiropractic neurologists have a similar, but different outlook. Noting that everyone has a dominant side of the brain, chiropractic neurologists study this imbalance to treat the patient with headaches and migraines. Typically, the side that is less dominant has a wider pupil, a lower shoulder, higher blood pressure, weaker muscle tone and constriction of the blood vessels in the brain. The walls of these blood vessels have muscular tone and, when they are constricted over long periods of time, lactic acid and other by-products of long-term muscular constriction become toxic, causing increased sensitivity in the brain. By activating the pathways that improve function of the weaker side, a strengthening occurs—one that is palpable from before and after the adjustment. The strengthening effectively lowers blood pressure, improves posture and ultimately relaxes the constricted vessels of the brain.
John Duffy, D.C., sees patients and relieves headaches at Waltham Chiropractic, located at 136 Bacon St. in Waltham. For more information, call 781-894-4270 or visit WalthamChiropractic.com.
