Headache

Research Update- HEADACHE

A recent study compared chiropractic treatment to amytriptaline, a drug commonly given for headache. 150 people with recurrent headaches were split into two groups. One group received the drug amitriptyline, and the other group recieved chiropractic care. The groups were treated for 6 weeks, and then both treatments were stopped. The groups were then retested in 4 weeks.

The results of this study were interesting. Both treatments helped ease the headaches, both in frequency and severity. However, the relief that the drug gave was only temporary, and the group that had that treatment lost almost all the benefit when they were tested again 4 weeks later. The group treated with chiropractic did not lose their benefit, and still felt much better when retested a month later.

Most people realize that drugs do not really cure a headache. They are used to ease the pain but cannot correct the cause. The fact that this study shows only temporary relief with drug therapy is not a surprise. What was a bit of a surprise is how many people had reactions from the drug. A total of 82% of the volunteers noticed side effects, including drowsiness, weight gain, and dry mouth, and in some cases the side effects were rather severe.

Five people chose to drop out of the research because of these side effects. In contrast, the only side effect noticed in the group treated with chiropractic was some soreness in the neck. It was also found that the group that was treated by chiropractors used less over the counter pain killers even a month after treatment was stopped.

ADJUSTMENTS VS. DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Another recent study on headache compared chiropractic adjustment to deep massage of the muscles of the neck. 38 subjects were used in this trial which lasted three weeks. The chiropractors that treated the subjects were not allowed to use any treatment except adjustments. Both groups showed a reduction in headache intensity, a reduction in the number of hours per day that they had a headache, and a reduction in the amount of over the counter painkillers by an average of fifty percent. The group that recieved only adjustments did somewhat better overall.

This study compared two treatments that many chiropractors actually use together. I have found that adjustments of the neck are effective at treating headache, and that deep massage (also called acupressure or trigger point therapy) is also very effective. However, the most effective treatment by far is the combination of the two. If the joints in the neck are not working properly, the muscles will tighten up and worsen the pain. If the muscles are tight and tender, they will interfere with the function of the joints. To treat only the joint or the muscle is to limit the effectiveness of the treatment.

These two studies are the newest of a growing body of evidence that chiropractic care is the most effective and safest treatment for headache, including migraine. If you or somenone you know is having headaches, call our office for a free consultation and screening. We can determine if the neck is a cause of the headaches in a very short amount of time. If it is, then chiropractic can offer effective- and lasting- relief.