Pregnancy and headaches
It is not uncommon for the pregnant woman to suffer from headaches or migraines. Studies show that around 40% and 50% of pregnant women suffer from headaches and migraines respectively. Unfortunately, research also show that postpartum these headaches can continue. The most common headaches during pregnancy are tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches and migraines. Luckily, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat headaches and migraines. Evidence proves that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches.
The presentation or symptoms of the headache depend on the type of headache that you have. Tension headaches often present as a band, affecting both sides of the head. Cervicogenic headaches relate to the neck, but present with symptoms on one side in the head and face. Cluster headaches tend to affect an eye and one side of the head, while migraines are associated with nausea, and light with one sided throbbing.
Regardless of the type of headache, a common factor is that headaches typically are associated with neck or shoulder tenderness or pain and stress. Chiropractic care is a proven, all-natural treatment for the neck, shoulder and stress; therefore, helping alleviate headaches at its very core.
Chiropractors are trained professionals proficient in treating the neck and shoulder via manual adjustments, soft tissue work, physiotherapy, stretches and exercises. Chiropractors also help improve the ever-changing posture of the pregnant and postpartum women, which has lasting effects in keeping neck, shoulder pain and headaches at bay since posture is directly affected by ones neck and shoulders. Amazingly, most individuals with headaches often comment that receiving chiropractic treatment acts as a light switch: once treatment is received, the headache switches off.
Stress is a common factor in all headaches including migraines. Pregnancy is a stressful and taxing time both chemically, emotionally and physically. It is no wonder that many headaches and migraines increase with each trimester. Chiropractic treatment is a direct answer to reducing stress and thereby reducing headaches and migraines. With each chiropractic treatment comes a release of seratonin or “happy chemicals”. There simply is no place for stress cells to exist in such a space. Chiropractic treatment also aids in promoting the parasympathetic nervous system of the body over the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system restores and keeps the body in a calm and relaxed state. Thus, combating both tension in the head and shoulder muscles while reducing chemical stress throughout the body.
Chiropractic care is a fundamental necessity for combating headaches especially in the pregnant woman. Your Dorsi Spinal Institute Chiropractor will be able discuss your headache and migraine concerns along with providing other lifestyle recommendations to keep your stress levels down. Types of exercise, foods and supplements, as well as how to improve sleep conditions during this time can be addressed.
Pregnancy and headaches