Headaches are one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic care, and one of the conditions that responds most consistently well to it. If you are dealing with frequent headaches that are affecting your quality of life,
Dr. Frank Stiso at Stiso Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy in Manasquan, NJ can help identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan aimed at reducing both the frequency and intensity of your headaches over time.
Not All Headaches Are the Same
Understanding what type of headache you are dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment. The most common types of headaches seen in a chiropractic setting include:
Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache, tension headaches typically produce a dull, aching pain that wraps around the head like a band. They are often caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, making them particularly well suited to chiropractic treatment. Many patients with chronic tension headaches find significant relief through regular chiropractic care.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine and refer pain up into the head. They are caused by structural problems in the neck including joint dysfunction, disc issues, and nerve irritation. Because the source of the pain is in the spine rather than the head itself, chiropractic care is often one of the most effective treatments available for this type of headache.
Migraines
Migraines are a complex neurological condition that involves more than just head pain. They can include visual disturbances, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and debilitating pain that can last for hours or days. While chiropractic care is not a cure for migraines, many migraine sufferers report a meaningful reduction in frequency and severity with regular chiropractic treatment. Acupuncture is also a well-documented complementary therapy for migraine management and is available at our practice.
Symptoms of Headaches Commonly Treated with Chiropractic
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Dull, aching pressure around the head or at the temples
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Pain that originates at the base of the skull and radiates forward
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Headaches that worsen with neck movement or prolonged sitting
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Headaches that follow a consistent pattern or trigger
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Neck stiffness or tension accompanying head pain
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Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
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Nausea associated with severe headaches
How Chiropractic Care Helps
The majority of headaches have a cervical component, meaning the neck is either the primary source or a significant contributing factor. Chiropractic care addresses this by restoring proper alignment and mobility to the cervical spine, reducing muscle tension in the neck and upper back, and relieving pressure on the nerves that refer pain into the head.
Dr. Stiso begins with a thorough evaluation to determine what type of headache you are experiencing and what is driving it. Treatment is tailored accordingly and may include cervical and thoracic spinal adjustments, soft tissue work, and postural guidance. For migraine patients who are interested in a complementary approach, our licensed acupuncturists also offer acupuncture treatment that has been shown to reduce migraine frequency in clinical research.
Why Choose Dr. Stiso for Headaches
Headaches are one of those conditions where identifying the actual source of the problem makes all the difference in treatment outcomes. Dr. Stiso takes the time to understand each patient's headache pattern, triggers, and history before recommending a course of care.
He does not take a one-size-fits-all approach and he does not simply treat the symptom without looking for the cause.
Ready to Get Started?
If headaches are affecting your daily life in Manasquan, Wall Township, or the surrounding Monmouth County area, Dr. Stiso and the team at Stiso Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy are ready to help.
Call us at (732) 528-7746 or click the button below to get started. Most major insurance accepted. New patients are always welcome.