Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in today’s world, with millions of people experiencing them on a regular basis. Just because headaches are common doesn’t mean they’re “normal” or something you should ignore. Not all headaches are the same. Some are related to tension while others may stem from migraines, postural issues, or even structural and functional problems in the neck and spine.
Headaches can be caused by stress, dehydration, poor posture, muscle tension, or nerve irritation, among a host of other things. While over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol might cut the pain temporarily, they don’t address the root cause. That’s where chiropractic care comes in. By focusing on restoring proper alignment of the spine, reducing muscle tension, and improving nerve function, chiropractic treatments offer a natural, drug-free solution to long-term headache relief. You deserve more than just a quick fix. You deserve to live without headaches and not allow them to affect your quality of life.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes:
- Consultation
- Thorough Health History
- Chiropractic Exam
- Postural Analysis
- X-rays if indicated
- Report of Findings
Chiropractic care is an effective solution to treat headache pain. Here at Peak Spine and Wellness Fargo, North Dakota (ND), we apply chiropractic techniques to provide lasting relief for a variety of headaches. We start by assessing the issue to understand the cause of the headache. This helps us to develop a chiropractic routine that will keep you pain-free.
Our chiropractor at Peak Spine + Wellness will help you with:
- Reducing headache pain and discomfort
- Decreasing inflammation
- Relief tension disorders
- Improving your overall health
How Our Headache Care Plan Works
1. Corrective
This initial stage focuses on addressing specific spinal misalignments and dysfunctions. Through targeted adjustments and specialized techniques, the goal is to restore proper alignment and function to the spine. This phase often involves intensive care to correct existing issues and alleviate pain.
2. Stabilization
The stabilization stage aims to reinforce the changes made. This involves strengthening surrounding muscles, improving posture, and ensuring that the spine maintains its proper alignment over time. Patients typically engage in exercises and receive ongoing adjustments to support long-term stability.
3. Wellness
The final stage emphasizes maintaining optimal spinal health and overall well-being. Wellness care involves regular check-ups and adjustments to prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach helps patients maintain their progress, enhance quality of life, and promote overall health and wellness.
How We Treat Headaches in Fargo, ND
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam for Headache Relief
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we understand headaches can be different for everyone. That’s why we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating your headaches. During your initial visit, we start with a detailed consultation to learn about your headache history, lifestyle, triggers, and overall health. This helps us understand the type and frequency of your headaches, as well as any contributing factors like stress, posture, or past injuries.
Next, we perform a comprehensive chiropractic exam, which may include:
- Postural Analysis: We will identify misalignments or imbalances that could be straining your neck and spine.
- Range of Motion Testing: We will assess flexibility and pinpoint areas of tension or restricted movement.
- Neurological and Orthopedic Testing: We will evaluate nerve function and rule out any underlying conditions.
At Peak Spine and Wellness, our goal is to not only to relieve your headaches but to empower you to live a healthier, pain-free life.
Digital X-rays
Why Digital X-Rays Are Important for Headache Relief
Digital X-rays play a key role in understanding the root cause of headaches, especially when they’re related to issues in the neck and spine. Many headaches can stem from misalignments or structural problems in the cervical spine (neck), which is why Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) emphasizes the importance of analyzing the spine’s alignment in detail.
On an X-ray, we can see:
- The Curve of Your Neck (Cervical Curve): A healthy neck should have a natural C-shaped curve. If this curve is lost, reduced, or reversed, it can put extra pressure and strain on the nerves, muscles, and joints, which often contributes to not only headaches but can also lead to degeneration or disc issues in the neck.
- Misalignments: Shifts or restrictions in the vertebrae can irritate nerves or lead to tension in the neck. This is also called a subluxation – which blocks the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Degeneration: Signs of arthritis, disc thinning, or other wear-and-tear issues that might be affecting your spine.
- Structural Issues: Any abnormalities, shifts, imbalances such as forward head posture – also known as text neck, scoliosis or past injuries, that could be influencing your symptoms.
Are Digital X-Rays Safe?
Yes, digital X-rays are safe and use very low levels of radiation compared to older imaging technology. We use them selectively, only when needed, to get the clearest and most accurate picture of what’s happening in your spine. This allows us to provide precise, effective care while prioritizing your health.
How X-Rays Help Create an Effective Treatment Plan
Digital X-rays allow us to measure and analyze your spine’s structure with incredible accuracy with our state-of-the-art marking technology. This is essential for the Chiropractic BioPhysics approach, which focuses on restoring proper alignment of the spine to correct the root cause of your pain. By seeing exactly where the problem lies-such as a flattened or reversed cervical curve. We can develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. This might include gentle adjustments, spinal traction, and exercises to restore your neck’s natural curve, relieving pressure on your joints, discs and nerves which ultimately helps to reduce headaches and pain.
By addressing the structural problem at its source, rather than just masking symptoms, we can help you achieve long-lasting relief and improve your overall health. The cervical curve isn’t just important for your neck but it’s also essential for your entire nervous system and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Biophysics
What is Cervical Remodeling Traction?
Cervical remodeling traction is a technique used in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) to restore the natural curve of the cervical spine (neck). This gentle yet highly effective approach involves applying a controlled stretch or sustained pull to the neck to gradually correct misalignments and structural distortions. The goal is to restore the natural C-shaped curve of the neck, which is essential for proper spinal function, blood and oxygen flow to the brain, nerve health, and overall well-being.
How Cervical Traction Works
Cervical remodeling traction uses specially designed devices that apply precise angles and forces to stretch the neck in a way that encourages proper spinal alignment. The process helps:
- Restore the Cervical Curve: A healthy cervical spine has a natural curve of approximately 30-42 degrees. When this curve is flattened or reversed, it can place excessive strain on muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves. Traction helps to remold the spine back to its most optimal position.
- Reduce Nerve Irritation: By realigning the vertebrae and the spine, traction relieves pressure on the joints, spinal cord and nerves, which can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and even radiating symptoms in the arms.
- Improve Disc and Joint Health: Traction gently stretches the spine, which takes pressure off the joints in the neck which ultimately helps improves disc hydration, reduces compression of the joints, and enhances joint mobility.
Why is Cervical Remodeling Traction Important?
From a CBP perspective, the cervical curve is critical because it supports the weight of the head, it facilitates proper nerve flow, and acts as a shock absorber for the spine. When the curve is compromised or compressed, it can lead to:
- Chronic tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Increased risk of arthritis, disc degeneration or disc herniation.
- Nerve interference, which can contribute to headaches, migraines, and other symptoms.
Cervical traction not only helps restore the curve but also helps correct the biomechanical function of the entire spine. This creates long-term improvements in posture, reduces stress on the nervous system, and enhances overall spinal health.
The CBP Difference
Unlike temporary symptom relief, cervical remodeling traction focuses on correcting the structural foundation of your spine. By addressing the root cause of dysfunction, this technique provides long lasting results, helping you feel better and stay healthier over time. At Peak Spine and Wellness, cervical traction is a key component of our personalized care plans designed to restore and maintain optimal spinal health.
The Importance of Nutritional Supplementation in Healing
Nutrition is an important part of the body’s ability to heal and recover from pain, including headaches. Proper nutrition provides the essential building blocks for cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and supports optimal nerve and brain function. When the body lacks key nutrients, the healing processes slow down, and chronic conditions like headaches can become more frequent or severe. Nutritional supplementation can fill gaps in the diet, ensuring your body has what it needs to function and heal effectively.
Foods to Include for Headache Relief
Certain foods can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches by promoting overall health and reducing inflammation:
- Leafy Greens: Rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which support nerve and muscle health.
- Fatty Fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel): High in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
- Nuts and Seeds: Packed with magnesium, a mineral known to help reduce headache frequency.
- Fresh Fruits (especially berries): Rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation.
- Water-Rich Foods (e.g., cucumber, watermelon): Help maintain hydration, a key factor in preventing headaches.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods and additives can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals:
- Processed Foods: High in preservatives and artificial additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Caffeine (in excess): Can lead to rebound headaches if consumed in large amounts or suddenly withdrawn.
- Alcohol: Can trigger headaches by causing dehydration, blood vessel dilation and inflammatory responses due to different compounds in alcohol.
- Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners: Sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar levels can trigger headaches.
Supplements for Headache Relief
Several supplements can support the body’s healing process and reduce headache frequency:
- Magnesium: Helps relax muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce the frequency and intensity of tension and migraine headaches.
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Shown to decrease migraine frequency when taken regularly.
- CoQ10: An antioxidant that supports energy production in cells and reduces inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Help lower inflammation and improve vascular health.
- Vitamin D3 + K2: Supports overall immune function and may help reduce headaches linked to inflammation or deficiencies.
Why Nutrition Matters
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we believe in addressing headaches holistically. Nutrition and supplementation play an essential role in optimizing your body’s healing capabilities and reducing triggers. Combined with structural correction and chiropractic care, proper nutrition can help you achieve long-term relief for improved overall health.
Common Types of Headaches We Treat in Fargo, ND
Headaches vary widely in their causes, symptoms, and effective treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Tension Headaches
How They Feel: A dull, aching pain or pressure that often feels like a tight band around the head. Pain is usually mild to moderate and can be felt on the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
Identifying Characteristics: Often triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Causes: Stress, prolonged sitting or poor posture, muscle tightness, or dehydration.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic adjustments and spinal traction to relieve tension in the neck and upper back, postural exercises, hydration, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or massage.
Migraines
How They Feel: Intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, smells, and sometimes visual disturbances (auras).
Identifying Characteristics: Can last hours to days and often worsens with physical activity.
Causes: Hormonal changes, food triggers, stress, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic care to address spinal misalignments that irritate nerves, nutritional support (e.g., magnesium, riboflavin), identifying and avoiding triggers, and regular hydration and sleep hygiene.
Cervicogenic Headaches
How They Feel: Pain that starts at the base of the skull or neck and radiates to the forehead, temples, or eyes. Often mistaken for migraines but typically related to neck issues.
Identifying Characteristics: Usually triggered by neck movement or prolonged poor posture. May involve stiffness or restricted movement in the neck.
Causes: Spinal misalignments, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction in the cervical spine.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic BioPhysics to restore proper cervical alignment, cervical traction to correct the neck curve, and postural retraining to prevent recurrence.
Cluster Headaches
How They Feel: Excruciating, burning or piercing pain on one side of the head, usually around or behind one eye. These headaches occur in “clusters” over weeks or months, often at the same time each day.
Identifying Characteristics: May cause eye redness, tearing, or nasal congestion on the affected side. Episodes are short (15 minutes to 3 hours) but intense.
Causes: The cause is unknown, but likely linked to nerve dysfunction or hypothalamus issues. Triggers include alcohol, strong smells, or high altitudes.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic care may help by improving nerve function and alignment. Avoid triggers and stay hydrated.
Sinus Headaches
How They Feel: Deep, steady pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose, often accompanied by nasal congestion or pressure. Pain worsens when bending forward.
Identifying Characteristics: Caused by inflammation or infection in the sinuses
Causes: Sinus infections, allergies, or weather changes.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic adjustments to improve sinus drainage, hydration, steam inhalation, and addressing underlying sinus issues or allergies.
Hormonal Headaches
How They Feel: Like migraines, with throbbing pain, but often be linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Identifying Characteristics: Occur around hormonal fluctuations, like premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Causes: Changes in estrogen levels.
Best Way to Get Rid of Them: Chiropractic care to balance nervous system function, nutritional support with magnesium and B vitamins, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Chiropractic Care Helps All Types of Headaches
Chiropractic adjustments address spinal misalignments that irritate nerves and muscles, which is a common factor in many headaches. By restoring spinal alignment, improving posture, and reducing tension, chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to relieve and prevent headaches. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and stress management can further enhance long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you see a chiropractor for headaches?
You should see a chiropractor for headaches right away. Headaches are your body’s way of signaling that something deeper might be wrong—they’re like an alarm system letting you know there’s a problem that needs attention. While it’s tempting to ignore them or rely on over-the-counter pain meds, those approaches only mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying issue. Whether your headaches are due to tension, posture, nerve irritation, or spinal misalignment, a chiropractor can help identify the root cause and provide targeted, effective care to prevent them from becoming a recurring or chronic problem.
Can getting your neck adjusted help with headaches?
Yes! Getting adjusted can help with headaches by addressing one of the most common underlying causes: spinal misalignment. When the vertebrae in your neck or upper back are out of alignment, it can put pressure on nerves, strain muscles, and reduce blood flow which can trigger or worsen headaches. Chiropractic adjustments work to restore proper alignment, improve nerve function, and relieve tension in the surrounding muscles. This not only helps reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches but also tackles the root cause, providing long-term relief without relying on medications. If your headaches are linked to posture, stress, or neck issues, chiropractic care can be an especially effective solution.
Is a chiropractor in Fargo, ND good for headaches?
Absolutely! Chiropractors are trained in identifying and addressing headaches by treating their underlying causes. Many headaches stem from issues such as spinal misalignments, altered spinal structure, muscle tension, or nerve irritation, which our chiropractic care aims to correct. By focusing on restoring proper spinal alignment and reducing nerve irritation, we alleviate pain and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Our comprehensive approach includes specialized treatments and personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. By addressing the root causes rather than just masking symptoms, we offer a natural and effective approach to headache relief.
Our chiropractic adjustments can make a difference in helping you relieve headache pain. Contact our office in Fargo, North Dakota (ND), or book an appointment with our online booking tool.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285942975_Possible_effect_of_chiropractic_manipulation_and_combined_manual_traction_and_manipulation_on_tension-type_headache_A_pilot_study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3976494/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6440032/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21640251/
At Peak Spine + Wellness we believe in empowering our patients to reach their peak potential! We offer chiropractic treatment for headache pain. Additionally, we offer wellness plans for those looking to reach peak potential while continuing to remain healthy once their problem is corrected. Get started with us today!
Check Out Our Location Near You
3260 Veterans Blvd Suite 105, Fargo, ND 58104