Having a headache isn't a fun time for anyone. If you suffer from them on a regular basis, then you likely know how exhausting and excruciating they can be. Many people try to reduce headaches by focusing on where the pain is, but it's entirely possible that another part of your body is to blame for your regular headaches. Here's how your spine might play a part.
The Spine's Role
The spine serves multiple purposes in the body. It helps you to bend and supports your torso, but it's also a pathway for your nerves. Nerve endings from throughout the body lead to the spine and run up to the brain. When a spine is healthy, there's enough space in the spinal column for nerves to be spaced out and send signals without interference. However, if there isn't enough space, those nerves might become pinched.
Pinched Nerves
If you've ever had a pinched nerve, you know how uncomfortable it can be. When a nerve is pinched, it can cause pain in the immediate region. However, it can also cause problems elsewhere in the body.
Pinching a nerve is kind of like crushing a cable. While some signals may still get through, they can also interfere and create signal interference. This means that your brain may translate the nerve ending as sending a warning and it registers it into pain to bring it to your attention. Unfortunately, if this is the source of your headaches, working on massaging your temples and forehead won't do much to help you.
Tension and Muscles
Another common cause of headaches is muscle tension. Muscle tension can create discomfort for a variety of reasons. In fact, muscle tightness and tension are some of the leading causes of stress headaches. Loosening up the muscles in your neck and back can help with this, but some people find it difficult to determine what part of their body is in need of assistance.
In order to fix either of these problems, visiting a chiropractor is a good option. Chiropractors are able to realign the spine to help alleviate pinched nerves. They can also detect tight muscles and help to loosen them up, which puts less tension on the spine. Many people with chronic headaches will find that they feel much better after a single visit with a chiropractor. Repeated trips can help to keep them from coming back, too. Contact someone in your area to discuss headache care solutions.
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