Natural Headache Relief: A Columbia, MO Chiropractor’s Perspective
Headaches are a pervasive issue in our day-to-day lives. Many people just accept them as a normal part of their day, and they shouldn’t. It’s a common issue, impacting 50% of the world’s population annually, but they are not normal. Headaches can signal that something is wrong, and you need to address that issue.
Chiropractic care is the best medicine for a headache. Most headaches come from issues like tight muscles, joints out of alignment not working properly, and lifestyle choices that impact your overall well-being. Our chiropractors specialize in finding the root cause of your headache and correcting that for long-term relief.
New Patient Special
Claim our new patient special where the first visit fees ($49) are covered by our clinic and donated to local charities. Your first visit includes x-rays (if medically necessary), a neurological exam, and a complete consultation.
How Our Headaches Care Plan Works
1. Assessment
We begin with a thorough examination of the patient’s head, neck and shoulder alignment and posture. Evaluate range of motion, pain points, and potential contributing factors.
2. Manual Techniques
Utilize gentle manipulations to target affected head, neck and shoulder structures, including joints, and muscles. Employ mobilization and soft tissue techniques to alleviate tension and improve circulation.
3. Exercise Plan
Design a tailored regimen focusing on stretching and strengthening the head, neck and shoulders. Emphasize gradual progression, providing exercises that enhance flexibility, stability, and overall head, neck and shoulder function.
How We Treat Headaches in Columbia, MO
Thorough Consultation and Exam
We start with sitting down to speak with you for the consultation. We will ask all about the headaches to start figuring out what might have triggered or could be contributing to them. Next, we go through a series of tests with you to determine the exact cause of your headaches. This includes an assessment of the joints of the spine to see where you might be experiencing issues with the nerves. We also run through a battery of orthopedic and neurological tests to confirm our findings.
We cap off the exam with a digital motion X-ray if medically necessary. This gives us a better picture of what the joints look like and what your postural curve looks like. We can also assess the motion of the joints to see where exactly they aren’t working and what we must do to get those fixed.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Adjustments are the most powerful tool a chiropractor can use. They unlock the bones in your neck and around your skull to relieve pressure on your joints. It often feels like a weight was lifted off your shoulders and neck. Removing this pressure allows for better nerve and joint function, which helps get rid of your headaches for good.
In-office and at-home therapy is another critical element of what we do. We want to create new muscle memories to replace the old ones that got you here. Our custom in-office and at-home therapy ensures we do what’s best for YOU. Everyone receiving the same cookie-cutter program is not good healthcare.
Read Our Online Reviews
Kathy Lee2024-01-13I fell on the ice. They got me in right away and also scheduled me for a follow up the next day. Now, I hit that ground hard when I fell, but I am still amazed at the speed and quality of my recovery after their careful care, evaluation and guidance.Leslie Garcia2024-01-10Love getting adjusted and Dr Squires is amazing! All the doctors are great. I highly recommend coming here.Jan Ritter2024-01-09Love this place. They keep me healthy and pain-free.Connie Coil2024-01-05I have been going to Family First Chiropractic for approximately 12 years. They have helped me through numerous issues and I will continue to use them for my chiropractic care.Julie Borders2024-01-04Kind people. Very accommodating with scheduling changes.Maria Trevor2024-01-03I have been seeing Dr.Kelli for 11 years. Great help in alleviating pain and setting my back and neck straight. I see her monthly as part of my wellness routine, but I started with her due to back pain in late pregnancy. She has been absolutely wonderful over all these years!Autumn Eads2023-12-14My first appointment as a patient was amazing! Doctors are very thorough and strive to make everyone as comfortable and informed as possible. I’ve enjoyed my time working with these people.
Common Types of Headaches
Tension Headache
These are the most common forms of headaches that people experience. These are most commonly caused by muscle tightness and dysfunction of the spine. A significant emotional component can play a role, with people reporting tension headaches in stressful times and situations. The pain from a tension headache is usually a tight band squeezing the head.
Migraine Headache
Migraine pain can be quite severe, typically, though not always, felt on one side of the head. Migraines can be accompanied by sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. People often report shutting themselves in a dark room to control the pain and nausea.
Cervicogenic Headache
These headaches come from the neck but still cause pain in your head. Cervicogenic headaches are more common than people might think. They are good at mimicking other forms of headache, so it often gets misdiagnosed. These are most commonly seen after an accident or from prolonged issues with posture.
Pregnancy Headache
Pregnancy is a time of wonder, but also a time of significant change. There are sudden changes in the chemistry of a pregnant woman’s body, which can lead to headaches. There are also changes in the joints that result from the body preparing for the baby’s birth. In these cases, we must work to make lifestyle changes to improve stress and overall health.
Cluster Headache
These headaches like to happen in clusters of time. For example, they might show up for a few weeks or months and then go away for extended periods. These are some of the most painful headaches, commonly on one side of the head or right behind the eye. People also report eye-watering and sensitivities to lights and sounds. The pain can get so bad it will wake you out of sleep.
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550 East Green Meadows Rd, Ste 101, Columbia, MO 65201
Best Home Remedies for Headache Relief
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
When should I see a chiropractor about headaches?
You should see a chiropractor any time you have a headache. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential if you want to get things corrected.
Is massage or chiropractic better for headaches?
They are both effective treatment tools for managing and correcting headaches. The focus of the treatments is different, and we find them to be excellent complements of one another.
Can getting adjusted help the headaches?
Yes. The health of the joints and nerves in the neck is a major cause of headaches, so addressing them will help provide relief.
What is a natural way to relieve tension headaches?
Chiropractic care is a safe and natural headache treatment. Outside of chiropractic, your best options would be to evaluate your diet and make lifestyle changes to best suit your health.
Does insurance cover chiropractors for headaches?
We are in network with most major insurances, but not all chiropractors are. We do complimentary insurance benefits checks for all the patients that come in for their first visit and will let you know what that looks like for your plan in particular.
Content Written by Dr. Kelli Winarski | DC, Pediatrics and Pregnancy Certified, ART (Active Release Techniques) Full Body Certified, NBCE, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I-IV & Physical Therapy
Content Reviewed by Dr. Collin Zeugin | DC, NBCE, National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Part I-IV & Physical Therapy
Have Questions About Working with Our Chiropractors?
Please, don’t let your questions go unanswered. If anything is unclear, please ask! Contact us today!
New Patient Special
Claim our new patient special where the first visit fees ($49) are covered by our clinic and donated to local charities. Your first visit includes x-rays (if medically necessary), a neurological exam, and a complete consultation.
