Headache Doctor, Chapel Hill, NC
If you live in Chapel Hill, NC and are suffering from migraines, Dr. Lisa Oskardmay at Acupractic Natural Healing Center may be able to relieve your pain. Dr. Oskardmay has helped many patients with chiropractic treatment for headaches. As a respected and longtime headache doctor in Chapel Hill, NC, Dr. Oskardmay offers non-surgical treatment without the use of prescription medications. So-called ‘alternative medicine’ treatments such as chiropractic and acupuncture are now used by millions for natural lasting relief that harnesses your body’s healing response.
Nine out of ten people in the United States suffer from headaches on a regular basis. Though the form of the headache may vary—some experience infrequent pain while others suffer from them on a daily basis; people who experience the headache symptoms know how debilitating these symptoms can be. Dr. Oskardmay provides skilled chiropractic care in the form of gentle spinal mobilization and soft tissue massage. Acupuncture may also be applied to facilitate healing on many levels. Physical therapy modalities, exercise and dietary nutrition prescription may be added as needed. This is an effective technique for relieving the pain and tension associated with headaches, particularly those that originate from the patient’s neck.
Common Causes of Headaches
Causes of headaches are often referred to as “triggers.” What triggers a headache for one person, may not have the same effect on another. Some of the most common headache triggers include:
- An environmental stimulus or circumstance such as noise, light, stress, blood sugar change, excessive exercise, insomnia, etc.
- Misalignment of the spinal column or other area of the body.
- Eye strain.
- Sleeping, sitting or standing posture.
- Muscle tension or joint irritation in the neck, back, or other area of the body.
How Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches Can Make a Difference
Chiropractors recognize the importance of proper neck posture and vertebral motion regarding headache treatment and prevention. The cervical spine is a series of seven bony vertebral units with eight cervical nerves emanating from them. The eight cervical nerves and associated ganglia are responsible for conducting nerve energy from the spinal cord to the head, neck, shoulders, diaphragm, lungs, heart, and other important areas such as the trachea and thyroid gland. Irritation of the nerves arising from the neck due to misalignment of the vertebrae, foraminal encroachment or even muscle tightness can affect the functioning of these important nerves creating stress and malfunction in the body.
A headache can be an indication that a subluxation exists that needs correction. Muscle tightness in the suboccipital region resulting from vertebral subluxation in the upper cervical region will produce tightness in that region and affect brain function. Muscle tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscles on the sides of the neck will affect vertebral motion, nerve flow of nerves c3456, and can affect blood flow to the brain. Irritation to the lower cervical region at the transition between the cervical and thoracic spine levels will affect shoulder muscle tightness and arm function. Chiropractors recognize the need for proper cervical and thoracic spine motion and health and take steps to diagnose and treat problems in the neck that can contribute to headaches.
Many people today spend a lot of time with their heads bent forward because they use this position to type on computers and cell phones. This position of increased cervical lordosis has serious health implications and can cause headaches, in addition to other health concerns. The resultant neck pain indicates the presence of inflammation in the muscles and cervical vertebrae – a harbinger for future damage. Lingering inflammation at any joint will result in joint destruction and nerve impairment; in the neck it will also result in headaches. Your chiropractic physician will diagnose and treat the cervical subluxation before it interferes with your health in other ways, and will help improve posture with spinal adjustments and home exercises.
Dr.Oskardmay and her team at Acupractic Natural Healing Center offer a variety of effective chiropractic treatment for headaches that are specific to a patient’s condition. With more than two decades of experience as a headache doctor, she offers solutions that address a patient’s unique health concerns. After a thorough exam, Dr. Oskardmay may determine that one or more of the following treatments will be the optimum approach for a patient suffering from a primary headache:
- Provide a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation to alleviate stress on the patient’s system by improving spinal function.
- Perform acupuncture therapy on one or more meridians or channels to harness the body’s natural healing potential
- Provide diet and nutrition guidance with suggestions for improving the patient’s nutrition intake, overall diet, and the addition of specific vitamins and other non-prescription medication supplements.
- Provide guidance for improving posture as well as relaxation techniques, specific exercises, and ergonomic approaches for daily routines (including sitting at a desk). Dr. Oskardmay uses ‘Posture Pro’ and other techniques to help you make the most of your sitting and standing postures to reduce neck pain and headaches.
A chiropractor can help reduce headache pain in many ways. They will also work with your medical doctor or other health practitioners to help you get the care you need.
Make an Appointment Today
If you suffer from headaches, there may be a painless, drug-free solution that does not require surgery or complicated procedures. Acupractic Natural Healing Center has successfully treated many patients in the Chapel Hill community who lived with chronic pain for far too long. Call (919) 929-1400, email schedule@acudocnc.com or visit our website acudocnc.com to schedule your appointment today.