Headaches and migraines can be debilitating, affecting daily life and making it hard to focus or function normally. If you’ve struggled with chronic pain, you’ve likely explored various treatments in search of relief. Among the most common options are chiropractic care and massage therapy, both of which can provide some degree of relief. However, it’s important to understand how each of these works and why they may not fully address the root cause of the pain.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment to the spine, which can, in turn, relieve pain. For people suffering from headaches and migraines, chiropractic adjustments can help by improving spinal alignment, especially in the neck area. Misalignments or restricted movement in the neck can sometimes contribute to headache pain, so chiropractic care may provide relief by restoring proper alignment and reducing tension in the neck and upper spine.
While chiropractic adjustments can help improve mobility and relieve symptoms, they typically focus on alignment rather than movement restoration, which is a critical element when addressing the underlying cause of headaches.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is another common treatment for headache and migraine sufferers, particularly for those experiencing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. It works by applying pressure to specific muscle groups, helping to reduce tightness, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Tension in the muscles around the neck, shoulders, and head is often a contributing factor to headaches and migraines. When muscles become stiff and tight, they can restrict the normal movement of the neck and contribute to pain.
While massage therapy can be beneficial for relieving muscle tension and providing temporary relief, it does not address the root cause of the issue. By focusing on muscle relaxation alone, massage therapy may not effectively restore proper movement in the neck or correct any structural issues contributing to the pain.
The Root Cause: Lack of Mobility in the Neck
Both chiropractic care and massage therapy can provide temporary relief by addressing surface-level symptoms like muscle tension or spinal misalignment. However, the underlying cause of many headaches and migraines is related to a lack of mobility in the neck, particularly in the upper cervical spine. When the joints in the neck, specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae, are not moving as they should, it can lead to a buildup of tension, improper posture, and pain radiating into the head.
This is where physical therapy becomes a critical part of the treatment plan. Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement to the joints in the neck, which is key for long-term relief. By addressing mobility issues at the joint level, physical therapists – specifically those who use manual therapy techniques – help patients regain proper neck movement, allowing muscles to function more effectively and reduce the strain that leads to headaches and migraines. This comprehensive approach not only provides relief from the symptoms but also tackles the root cause of the problem.
Find Relief That Lasts
While chiropractic care and massage therapy are effective for managing headaches and migraines, they often provide only temporary relief. The root cause of these conditions lies in a lack of mobility in the neck, which is best addressed through physical therapy. By restoring proper movement to the neck and upper spine, physical therapy helps alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, and prevent headaches and migraines from recurring. If you’re suffering from chronic headaches or migraines, it’s time to get to the source and explore how physical therapy can offer long-term relief and restore your quality of life.
We would love to help you find relief at Novera. We work with patients virtually and in person. Additionally, if you want a device that can help you restore mobility to your neck, search for Novera’s very own SAM device on Amazon or click here.
