Headache Treatment in Hartland, WI

How We Treat Headaches In Hartland, WI

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

At Perfect Touch Chiropractic, we go above and beyond to uncover the root cause of your headaches. During your first visit, we will do a complete medical and spinal history, orthopedic and neurologic examination, range of motion assessment, set goals, and perform digital motion series X-rays to pinpoint the source of your headache. Digital X-rays allow us to measure the exact millimeter and degree of misalignment, allowing our care to be as specific as possible. We then have you come back for a second report of findings appointment, where we will create and discuss a personalized plan that resolves your headaches and improves your overall health. On the second day, if you choose to do so at that time, you will receive your first specific Upper Cervical Atlas Orthogonal Adjustment.

Digital X-rays

Although we do not have to take X-rays to adjust as a Chiropractor, we do not like to play with chance. Our technique requires X-rays to be able to perform because they help us identify your specific subluxation down to the exact millimeter and degree of misalignment. X-rays also assess degenerative changes or other structural issues that may not be detectable through a physical exam or palpation alone and could contribute to your headaches. This information is crucial for understanding the precise cause of your headaches and planning the most effective personalized treatment.

X-rays can reveal a ton of information not seen by the naked eye, like spinal subluxations, DJD, DDD, bone spurs, and other structural abnormalities. Our X-ray unit is state-of-the-art and uses minimal radiation, so it is safe and effective. We also follow safety protocols to make sure your health and well-being come first!

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care in Hartland, WI

A misalignment of the spine that disrupts the nervous system’s normal function is known as a subluxation. Subluxation in the cervical spine (neck) irritates nerves, restricts blood flow, and creates muscle tension, all common headache triggers. However, no two people’s subluxations are the same. The location, severity, and impact of a subluxation vary significantly from person to person, which is why a personalized care plan is essential.

For some, a subluxation may pinch nerves, causing sharp pain; for others, it might cause muscle tightness or blood flow constriction. Whether it’s physical pain, poor sleep, or scatterbrain, we tailor a treatment plan to address your unique needs.

Our Upper Cervical Chiropractic office is extremely precise. Many patients experience significant (and sometimes immediate) improvements in their headaches. For some, it’s as soon as a few sessions. Perfect Touch Chiropractic can do this because of our dedication to addressing the root cause of headaches. We take a holistic, drug-free approach to pain relief, work closely with each patient, and provide specific, tailored, and effective care that not only alleviates symptoms but allows patients to live an unlimited life.

Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Work

Massage therapy can also significantly help relieve headaches when used in conjunction with Chiropractic care. When done correctly, massage can release muscle tension, improve circulation, and address underlying triggers of pain. Massage can enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments by relaxing the body before and after a realignment.

Two specific massage techniques—craniosacral therapy and neuromuscular massage—offer targeted benefits for headache relief. Craniosacral therapy focuses on gently manipulating the cranial bones, spine, and sacrum to improve flow and reduce tension around the spine and brain. This can specifically help alleviate symptoms of tension headaches and migraines because it can relax the soft tissues around the head and neck. Neuromuscular massage targets specific trigger points and tight muscles to reduce pain. By putting pressure on trigger points, the muscle knots will release, tension will fade, and blood flow will improve.

While chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy offer individual benefits, they serve distinct purposes and enhance effectiveness when used together. Adjustments correct spinal subluxations, and massage therapy addresses the soft tissues. Together, they are a comprehensive approach to headache relief, improving the spine’s structural alignment and the health of the surrounding muscles and tissues. This double-sided approach not only alleviates current headaches but also prevents them from happening again in the future.

Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan

Therapeutic exercises are essential for long-term headache relief. Adjustments and massage are important for getting things in the right place, but it is also important to strengthen the muscles to lock everything in place. Corrective exercises address muscle imbalances, aches or pains, abnormalities, and weaknesses. Over time, if done regularly, exercises also help to improve posture and enhance flexibility.

We create a personalized corrective exercise program specific to every patient’s individual needs. These programs are designed to do many things, and the typical result is headache prevention. Exercises like chin tucks, SCM stretches, shoulder rolls, and red light ROM are all effective in headache relief specifically. After you’ve been under care for a while, we will work on strengthening the upper back and core muscles so that you have the proper support to reduce future headaches. These exercises are designed to be easy to incorporate into daily routines in the car, at work, or at the gym, making them an easy and sustainable part of your treatment plan.

Common Types of Headaches We Treat In Hartland, WI

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are dull, aching, tight, or pressure-like pain around the forehead, temples, and into the back of the head and neck. The pain is common around the area where a hat would sit on your head. Tension headaches can last from minutes to hours, and unfortunately for some, can last for days. Muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders from stress, subluxation, posture, screen time, dehydration, lack of sleep, and/or emotional stress causes a tension headache.

Gentle Upper Cervical Chiropractic adjustments can target the Upper Cervical spinal subluxations that cause tension headaches. When used with massage therapy, they create a very restorative healing experience for every patient. Maintaining proper alignment through Chiropractic and massage therapy is vital to prevent recurrence. Drinking plenty of fluids, fixing your posture, and identifying stressors are also essential. Together, these methods address both the symptoms and root causes of tension headaches, offering lasting relief.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are often severe, horrible, and debilitating. A common presentation is throbbing, pulsing, sharp pains on one side of the head. Migraines can also present with nausea, vomiting, and light, smell, and sound sensitivity (auras). An aura can be many things, such as visual disturbances, flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots, tingling or numbness, or a certain smell. Migraine symptoms can last a few hours to several days. If you or someone you know suffers from migraines, get them to us or an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you immediately.

Migraine triggers include subluxations, stress, hormones, foods, drinks, sleep patterns, bright lights, or strong smells. In addition to making sure muscles are relieved with Massage Therapy and your bones are aligned with Chiropractic care, practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga and being mindful by identifying personal triggers can all help you discover your specific migraine triggers. Chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and healthy lifestyle habits can help you achieve a migraine-free life.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are another horrible, debilitating type of headache. Intense, burning, piercing, sharp pain around one eye or on one side of the head is a presentation common to a cluster headache. These headaches occur in recurring patterns, or “clusters.” A cluster headache can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and sometimes occurs many times a day. Other things like redness or tearing of the eye, nasal congestion, and restlessness are frequent and are a reason cluster headaches are known to ruin lives.

The medical community does not fully understand the exact cause of cluster headaches, though abnormalities in the hypothalamus, which regulates biological rhythms, are believed to play a role. Most commonly, it is understood that triggers cause cluster headaches. Triggers for these types of headaches are things like alcohol, smells, subluxations, and sleep pattern abnormalities. Chiropractic care and therapeutic massage can significantly improve the quality of life of someone suffering from this challenging and frustrating headache.

Allergy or Sinus Headaches

Allergy or sinus headaches are deep, throbbing pressure in and around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes are common symptoms that come with the territory of a sinus headache. Common triggers are sudden head movements and bending over. Anything that puts the sinuses in a vulnerable position or causes extra buildup pressure can trigger a sinus infection.

The primary cause of sinus headaches is inflammation in the sinuses from allergies, infections, mucous buildup, or seasonal changes. When the sinuses are inflamed, they block normal drainage, creating a buildup of pressure and pain. Chiropractic care improves lymphatic fluid flow via adjustments and promotes drainage to reduce sinus pressure. Adjustments to the Upper Cervical spine release pressure on the nerves that control the sinuses. This reduces inflammation and cures sinus headaches. In addition, specific Activator adjustments gently adjust the sinuses, further encouraging the lymphatic system to drain. These adjustments to the Upper Cervical spine and sinuses support the body’s ability to clear out excess fluid from the sinuses, reduce pressure, and enhance immune function.

Massage therapy to the face, neck, and shoulders can expel excess fluid and ease tension to aid chiropractic adjustments in relieving pressure in the sinus area. Chiropractic care also boosts immunity by optimizing nervous system function. When the spine is aligned, the nervous system works better, and therefore, the immune system functions optimally to fight off infections better and deal with allergens. Strengthened immunity reduces the frequency and intensity of sinus headaches. For other long-term relief, stay hydrated, use saline nasal rinses, and incorporate steam therapy when you have irritated sinuses.

Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headaches come from misalignments in the neck and are usually dull, aching, and sharp in presentation. They can radiate pain from the base of the skull to the forehead and are commonly mistaken for migraines. Triggers for cervicogenic headaches are neck movements, prolonged postures, and repetitive strain. The most effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches is specific Upper Cervical Chiropractic care.

Upper Cervical Care focuses on the precise alignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (C1 and C2). Misalignments in this area can irritate nerves and tissues that affect both the head and neck and cause cervicogenic headaches. Using a soundwave-based adjusting instrument, we gently realign these upper cervical bones to alleviate the tension that causes cervicogenic headaches.

Concussion Headache

Concussion headaches from physical trauma are usually persistent, dull, aching pressure and can come with dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and sensitivity to light and sound. These typically occur immediately after a trauma to the head and neck but can develop days or even weeks later. Healing from a concussion requires time. After a concussion, subluxations in the neck can occur due to the direct blunt force trauma. Chiropractic care addresses these subluxations through adjustments, which reduce pain, promote healing, and relieve tension.

Pregnancy Headache

Pregnancy headaches are commonly more mild and are similar to tension headaches. Dull achiness or tightness around the head and neck is very common. Some mommas may also experience migraines due to hormonal fluctuations, which is more common in the first trimester. In addition to hormonal changes, dehydration, fatigue, and stress are common triggers. As the baby grows, changes in posture can cause strain on the neck and back, which can trigger a headache.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to manage and alleviate headaches by addressing the root causes. We use a very gentle approach when adjusting, especially for a prenatal patient in our office. Prenatal Chiropractic care focuses on relieving tension in the neck and upper back, helping to correct any postural imbalances contributing to your pregnancy headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a chiropractor in Hartland, WI, good for headaches?

Yes! Perfect Touch Chiropractic in Hartland, WI is the BEST at treating headaches! They specialize in the Upper Cervical spine, so particularly those headaches caused by cervical spine (neck) subluxations, neck tension, and poor neck posture are what they do best with.

When should you see a chiropractor for headaches?

You should see a Chiropractor for headaches if they affect your life in any way. A Chiropractor can assess your condition, identify the cause, find and eliminate subluxations, and get you back to living a life, headache-free!

Can getting your neck adjusted help with headaches?

Yes! Getting your neck adjusted can help with headaches, especially those linked to Upper Cervical spine (neck) misalignments. Perfect Touch Chiropractic specializes in the Upper Cervical Spine and uses a soft, gentle, specific, non-invasive Chiropractic technique that relieves headache pains very effectively.

Is chiropractic effective for migraines?

Chiropractic care is effective for many people dealing with migraines. This is especially true when the migraines are caused by an Upper Cervical misalignment, which is an extremely common cause and something that we specialize in here at Perfect Touch Chiropractic.

What is a natural way to relieve tension headaches?

Some natural ways to relieve tension headaches, include:

• Getting adjusted by a Chiropractor
• Massage by a Licensed Massage Therapist
• Practicing a relaxation techniques
• Box breathing
• Stretching
• Using a cold pack