The Bottom Line

Are you feeling rushed? Are you dreading a big meeting at work?

Take it from the leading provider of natural tension headache treatment inAustin, Texas – these events can all add up to stress and headaches.

Often it’s not the event itself that results in a headache but your body’s reaction to stress.

If you deal with stress by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you may be more likely to experience headaches due to these coping behaviors. 

So, why does this happen and what can be done about the stress and headaches cycle? Read on.

Why it Matters

Way back when, our bodies evolved our fight or flight response for the purpose of making sure we would be adequately prepared to deal with any of the physical dangers we very realistically could have encountered on a daily basis.

As a result, our heart and breathing rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to our extremities all increase during such an event. It’s this fight or flight response that allowed us to effectively prepare for battle or to flee from predators in the wild.

Of course, we’re still hardwired with this very useful and necessary instinct, but times certainly have changed! Today, our bodies find it more difficult to differentiate between physical danger and psychological stress. We may react to that dreaded big meeting at work with the same internal reactions as if we were being chased by someone or something!

So, how does all this relate to headaches?

If there’s one thing you should understand about stress, it’s that it can and often will worsen your symptoms when you’re not feeling well.

There is a very real link between all kinds of stress and headaches.

Episodic headaches, or those that occur sporadically, are often triggered by isolated, stressful incidents.

A few of the most common everyday stress triggers include anxiety, poor sleep habits, or significant life changes.

Chronic headaches are often triggered by daily, constant stress and a lack of regular exercise. 

To help you combat this cycle of stress and headaches, we’ve compiled a list of some of our top tips for reducing stress so you can reduce your headaches.

Tips for Reducing Stress and Headaches 

Exercise More 

Regular exercise boosts endorphins, which help put you in a better mood. 

Making time to get up, get out, and get moving regularly also helps boost your overall energy levels so you can shift your focus away from whatever event or string of events is stressing you out.

Get Some Sleep

We repeat: get some sleep to turn the dial down on stress and headaches.

When you can, aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and do your best to keep your sleep schedule consistent. 

Falling asleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help you fall into a healthy sleep pattern.  

Recent studies indicate that our sleeping habits can contribute to our risk of experiencing headaches, particularly migraines.

In fact, the majority of people living with chronic migraines and other chronic types of headaches often also experience some level of insomnia. 

Relax 

This is more than just a mantra when it comes to reducing stress and headaches, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s important to set aside time to specifically practice relaxation techniques that can help you feel calm during periods of high stress.

Meditation and yoga are two techniques that can help you feel both physically and mentally relaxed so you can mitigate the onset of stress.

See a Chiropractor  

Keeping your spinal joints moving correctly can help reduce the strain on your spine and its supporting muscles.

Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent-up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly. 

So, come see us for natural tension headache treatment in Austin, Texas.

Tension headaches are triggered when the neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, and this often occurs when we hold our heads in one position for an extended period of time. Many people spend their days working at a desk, and doing so for hours on end usually results in an uptick in tension headaches. Sleeping with your neck in an awkward position may also trigger a tension headache.

Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can help headache patients find lasting relief.

Chiropractic adjustments to specific joints in the neck, upper body, back, and other extremities can help correct the physical imbalances behind those tension headaches so you not only move better but feel better.

Next Steps

So, can stress cause headaches? Yes.

While there is a link between stress and headaches, now you know there are very simple, real ways you can combat this cycle.

Remember, when you feel your stress levels starting to rise, take a moment to practice your favorite relaxation techniques.

Make time for essential preventative self-care like daily exercise, balanced meals, and balanced sleep.

And be sure to periodically schedule visits with your favorite chiropractic team.

If you’re interested in natural tension headache treatment in Austin, Texas, we’d love to help you!

Our expert team will work together with you to keep your body relaxed and moving well to help you find lasting relief from stress and headaches. 

Science Sources: 

Sleep and Migraine. Headache. 2018.
Manual Therapy Effect on Tension Headache. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2016.
How Does Stress Impact the Body? Forbes. 2018.
Tension Headache. MedlinePlus. 2019.

The Bottom Line

Headaches are experienced a little bit differently by everyone. At our Austin, Texas chiropractic headache clinic, patients may complain of chronic neck stiffness, impaired vision, or feeling exhausted. Often, they find themselves unable to function for the day because of their headaches.

But, while the symptoms may vary, all types of headaches have one thing in common — they are not “normal” to deal with frequently.

If you’ve been doing your best to live with recurring headaches, it’s time to figure out the type or types of headaches you’re dealing with.

Why it Matters

As you probably know all too well, there are many different types of headaches.

Knowing which one you have is the first step toward finding relief and the best way to do that is to consult with a healthcare professional. 

And if you’ve been looking for a chiropractic headache clinic in Austin, Texas, you’ve come to the right place.

Our doors are open and we’re here to help.

Here’s an overview of the most common types of headaches that people from all walks of life experience.

Most Common Types of Headaches 

Migraine

Migraines come in all shapes and sizes. Typically you’ll feel a throbbing on one side of your head.

This type of headache can be excruciating and can last up to 3 days.

You will likely feel nauseous and may be sensitive to light, sound, or smell. 

Here are a few additional key facts about migraine types of headaches:

• These headaches are thought to be related to the release of inflammatory substances in the head.
  
• Migraine-type headaches are twice as common in women because of hormonal influences.
  
• Migraines often tend to pass quicker in children.

Tension Headache

Tension types of headaches are very common and affect up to 20% of the population.

They can also appear when you’re experiencing a migraine.

Tension headaches usually consist of constant dull pain on both sides of the head as a result of tense or contracted neck and scalp muscles, and these types of headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Stress, anxiety, and depression are a few common triggers of tension headaches. You could experience these types of headaches as the result of dehydration, loud noises, a lack of sleep, or even not getting enough exercise as well.

While that may seem like a long list with some potentially unavoidable triggers, the good news is that a number of them can be addressed as part of a healthy overall lifestyle. 

Here are a few additional key facts about tension types of headaches:

• Tension-type headaches are the most commonly experienced headache.
  
• This headache is described as pressure or tightness, often like a band around the head.
  
• The pain associated with tension headaches can sometimes spread into or come from the neck. 

Cluster Headache

Unlike migraine headaches, cluster types of headaches are usually experienced more by men than by women.

Those experiencing this type of headache generally feel an intense burning or even a piercing feeling behind or around one of their eyes.

Cluster types of headaches usually come when you least expect them and can last anywhere from approximately 15 minutes to 3 hours. 

Here are a few additional key facts about cluster types of headaches:

• Cluster-type headaches affect fewer than 1 in 1000 adults and affect six men for every woman.
  
• Cluster headaches, while often brief, can occur up to several times a day.
  
• Those experiencing these types of headaches may have tearing and redness in the eye or a blocked nasal passage affected side. 

Next Steps

We all deal with headaches every now and then, so we often don’t perceive them as serious enough to warrant a clinic visit.

In fact, it’s estimated that half of the people who deal with headaches are self-treating.

That may be why many people are not aware that there are effective headache treatment options that are natural, non-invasive, and that don’t involve prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.

That may be why many of the patients we see at our chiropractic headache clinic in Austin, Texas are surprised to learn that overuse of medications intended to relieve their headaches can actually lead to more headaches!

So, if you’re having trouble with migraine, tension, or cluster headaches, give us a call today.

Recent studies have shown that chiropractic care can play a big part in reducing the intensity, severity, and frequency of many common headaches without those risky medications.

Our compassionate team will work with you to identify the root cause of your headaches and we’ll provide the gentle, movement-based care chiropractors are known for to help you break free from your headache pain.

Science Sources:

Tension Headache. MedlinePlus. 2019.

Headache Disorders. WHO. 2016.

Bottom Line: 

As we discuss how to prevent sciatica pain with our sciatica patients, we often notice  that many of them will make the comment that they don’t know how they hurt their back  when they start receiving treatment. 

And that’s a completely logical statement to make. 

It’s easy to understand how lifting a heavy object at work or sustaining a blow of some  kind or simply moving in an awkward fashion could result in an injury to your back. 

Your sciatica symptoms could be the result of a pinched nerve, as indicated by the pain associated with that injury.

Completely understandable. 

But, what we’re about to tell you as we dive into how to prevent sciatica pain naturally  may surprise you. 

Numerous studies have indicated that excessive sitting may be one of the most frequent causes of sciatica pain.

That’s also completely understandable. 

As Austin, Texas’ top sciatica pain specialist, we have witnessed firsthand the genuine effects of excessive sitting on our patients.

Here’s why. 

Why it Matters:  

Sitting for extended periods of time weakens the muscles supporting your low back because they aren’t used frequently.

This can lead to imbalances in your back that then result in increased pressure and  stress on your spine. 

Without the support of the stabilizing muscles your spine relies on to keep your  vertebrae, discs, and nerves in balance and aligned, you’re more likely to injure your  back. 

To put that in perspective, we’ve seen patients who’ve injured their back from lifting  lightweight items around the house. 

Fortunately, the “how” in how to prevent sciatica pain is probably even easier than you  think. 

We like to say “motion is lotion” for your body. 

When it comes to how to prevent sciatica pain, movement-based care is at the top of  the list. 

Stretching, for example, before and after any physical activity can help you both  improve your flexibility and reduce your chances of experiencing a number of avoidable  injuries. 

Modern research also indicates that consistent exercise can stop or even reverse the  effects of too much sitting. 

Incorporating just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help strengthen the supporting  muscles around your spinal column to help prevent future episodes of sciatica.

Other recent studies tell us that getting periodic spinal adjustments can have a part to  play in both the correction and prevention of conditions that can cause sciatica pain. 

In fact, the top research journal SPINE found that maintained chiropractic care can  evaluate, detect, and potentially prevent future disc problems and low back pain  episodes. 

In other words, chiropractic can be a very effective “how” when you’re considering the  actual steps of how to prevent sciatica pain and the recurrence of symptoms. 

Why it Matters: 

You’ve come to the correct place if you’re trying to find a holistic sciatica pain specialist in Austin, Texas.

When most people think of chiropractic care, they typically picture “getting their back  and neck cracked.” 

Although sciatica is primarily treated with chiropractic adjustments, we actually employ a number of therapeutic approaches to address sciatic nerve impingement and pain.

As chiropractors, we take a whole-body (holistic) approach to health and healing. 

We design individualized wellness plans by combining methods such as weight loss management, massage, exercise, nutritional counseling, and adjustments.

Next Steps:  

We’ve seen our patients enjoy significant relief from sciatica pain and improved mobility  with continued chiropractic care. 

Maintaining your body with movement-based care is key in how to prevent sciatica pain. 

We recommend including regular chiropractic care in addition to implementing some  level of planning to help get and keep you moving daily. 

Even if time is tight most days, taking a few minutes every hour to get up and walk  around can go a long way.

Starting small is better than not starting at all! 

And, as days become weeks, months, and years, the exercise you do now will pay huge  dividends down the road to keep you happy, healthy, and pain-free. 

If you have struggled with recurrent or chronic sciatica pain, you’re not limited to  invasive surgical procedures, injections, or prescription pain medications to find relief. 

You deserve better. 

Schedule an appointment with a holistically focused sciatica pain specialist in Austin, Texas like us. 

We’ll work together to pinpoint the root cause of your pain and come up with a plan that  can help you get and stay out of pain for years to come. 

You deserve nothing less! 

Science Source:  

Maintained Spinal Manipulation Therapy for Low Back Pain. SPINE. 2011. 

Bottom Line: 

Nearly everyone will have back pain at some point in their life, but with sciatica — well,  you’ll know something is different right away! 

So, what is sciatica? 

What is sciatica pain like? 

Sciatica really describes a set of symptoms rather than a condition. 

The most common symptom can be described as pain that begins in your lower back,  travels down through your buttocks, and extends down your leg, usually on just one side  of the body. 

That shooting pain down your leg is often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve or  one or more of the other nerves exiting your spine.

And it might surprise you to know that even a tiny amount of pressure can result in a  tremendous amount of pain. 

So, getting rid of the associated inflammation and then opening up space for the nerve  are both essential steps on the path to finding relief. 

That’s where we come in. 

If you’re looking for a chiropractic-focused sciatica doctor in Austin Texas, you’ve come to the right place. 

We specialize in providing gentle spinal manipulative therapy to help you fix your  sciatica pain naturally. 

Sciatica pain leads many people to think their “condition” must be so serious it can only  be healed by a surgeon. 

Or that they must need spinal injections. 

Or that they must resort to prescription pain medications. 

We’ve even heard patients refer to their pain as sciatica attacks! 

So, when they are told that chiropractic treatment can provide the same level of pain  relief as those invasive interventions — well, it sounds too good to be true. 

Why it Matters: 

Let’s talk about the function of pain for a moment. 

Pain is your body’s way of signaling to you that something needs your attention. So, what is sciatica pain?  

A signal. 

Think of it as your body saying, “Pay Attention Inside Now!”.

When a problem occurs in the body, due to ergonomic stress, spinal misalignment, or  degenerative changes, the body uses pain as a signal for us to pay attention and act. 

And believe it or not, pain is usually the last thing to show up and the first thing to leave,  whether we’re talking about injuries or spinal conditions. 

To understand why we recommend seeing a chiropractic sciatica doctor in Austin, Texas and why our non-invasive methods work, it helps to take a closer  look at a common underlying cause of sciatica pain. 

Just like you’ve probably Googled “What is sciatica?” a time or two in your life, you’ve  probably also Googled “What is a pinched nerve?” 

The pinching or compression of a spinal nerve can occur because of an injury to one of  your spinal discs (such as disc herniation), the development of a bone spur, or even  ligaments that have simply increased in size. 

Whatever the underlying issue, it’s likely to cause noticeable levels of pain and  discomfort until you’ve taken steps to decrease the inflammation and open up space for  the affected nerve, and, in many cases, also taken steps to also improve the movement  of the surrounding spinal joints. 

Check, check, and check! 

We can help.  

Why it Matters: 

You don’t have to live in pain, and you don’t have to settle for surgery, injections, or pain  medications. 

You deserve better. 

So, what is sciatica? 

A set of very specific symptoms signaling the presence of an underlying condition that  chiropractic care can help resolve — no surgery, injections, or pain medications  required. 

Top research publications have shown that people struggling with sciatica pain can get  fantastic results with chiropractic care.

In fact, in one recent study, researchers found that 60% of participants with  symptomatic cases of sciatica benefitted from chiropractic adjustments to the same  degree as if they underwent surgical intervention (again, without any of the risks!). 

And what many may not know is that beyond adjustments, exercise and rehab can also  help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine to reduce the likelihood of a relapse. 

Yes, we do that too! 

Next Steps: 

There’s no doubt about it. 

At the end of the day, what is sciatica?  

A seemingly sudden onset of pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs that can be  scary. 

So, if you experience any of these symptoms, take the signals from your body seriously,  and give us a call. 

We’ve helped many people recover from sciatica without the need for drugs or surgery. 

Scheduling an evaluation with a holistically focused sciatica doctor in Austin, Texas like us today is how you take the first step towards finding lasting relief  from sciatica pain! 

Science Source:  Manipulation or Microdiskectomy for Sciatica? JMPT. 2010.

Is There a Perfect Posture? 

We’ve all heard (or said) it a million times in the name of having perfect posture.

“Sit up straight and stop slouching!”

You’ve likely heard this since childhood, and for good reason.

Poor posture as a kid can create health challenges later in life.

Rounded shoulders (scapular protrusion), swayback (lumbar hyperlordosis) and a hunched upper back (thoracic hyperkyphosis) are all postural imbalances that place a tremendous amount of stress on the spine.

What’s more, your ability to move through a full range of motion without pain plays a big role in how your posture looks when you’re still.

And when those imbalances persist, the muscles supporting your spine must work harder to support your body weight, and that can result in pain.

It’s a good idea to contact a posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas, if you’re dealing with everyday aches.

Abnormal postures have been linked to depression, decreases in energy, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Why it Matters:

Maintaining good posture as you age can help keep any unnecessary stress off your spine and joints, positively impacting your overall spinal health for years to come.

But is there such a thing as perfect posture?

Well, the idea of perfect posture is a bit complicated.

The latest research shows that it makes more sense to think about your posture as dynamic, not static. 

That’s because your ideal or perfect posture is constantly changing and evolving. 

Why it Matters:

Your posture consists of a dynamic pattern of responses, reflexes, and habits – not a single position.

Poor posture is usually caused by what you aren’t doing instead of what you are doing.

The effects of gravity, the ergonomics of your desk at work, and your anatomy all play a role.

Even with great ergonomics, sitting for hours each day working on a computer can lead to postural issues.

It’s true. 

As the leading posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas, we see this in our practice every day. 

Think about it. 

Since most of us use our smartphones or tablets while working or even sleeping, we rarely move and stretch.

Over time the imbalances caused by those long hours spent looking down at our devices can lead to a habitual forward head posture. 

And while there may not be a one size fits all perfect posture, you can bet nearly every one of us has developed some level of habitual forward head posture. 

Why does that matter?

Well, when you start to lean forward, it places a tremendous amount of extra pressure on the discs in your neck and spine.

This added pressure can cause increased compression and lead to pain.

Even just a few inches of forward head posture can double or triple the amount of stress on the spinal joints in your neck.

Think about the impact this can have day after day after day.

A weakening of the muscles that support your spine has also been linked to prolonged forward head posture.

According to estimates, up to 75% of us get neck pain as a result.

That neck pain as well as tension, stiffness, and tenderness are all signs of chronic forward head posture.

The good news?

While it’s not easy to maintain those perfect postures, there are things you can do to perfect your posture every day. 

You can start by taking short breaks to stretch at least every 15-30 minutes. 

Doing so will help you reset your balance and relax your body, and it’s one of the most essential practices you can adopt when it comes to improving your posture in the long term. 

Next Steps: 

By breaking the pattern of poor posture, you can reduce your likelihood of experiencing many common aches and pains.

Every day, you can take advantage of simple opportunities to improve your strength, flexibility, and ergonomics to develop more ideal or perfect posture patterns. 

Try this.

Next time you’re on the phone, stop for a moment and see if your head is creeping forward.

If your chin is tucked down and your ears are in front of your shoulders, then you’re in that forward head posture we discussed.

When that happens, it’s a sign that it’s a good time to take a break, stretch, and reset.

Simple.

And remember, both strength and flexibility also play a significant role in your posture.

Strengthening the trapezius muscles, actively maintaining good core strength, and working to balance that strength with flexibility can help your body best adapt to your environment.

Remember. Think of your ideal or perfect posture as dynamic. 

It’s constantly changing and evolving no matter how little our daily routines change or how much our daily habits change. 

Many of us spend large chunks of our days working on a computer, so it’s important to ensure that our spinal joints are moving well and moving correctly to help keep us feeling great.

That’s where we come in.

Chiropractors are taught many of the finer details that go into developing those ideal or perfect postures.

So, if you’ve been living with nagging aches and pains, and you’re interested in working with a posture rehab chiropractor in Austin, Texas, contact us for an evaluation today.

Together, we can help you perfect your posture and say goodbye to pain for years to come!

Science Source: 

Effects of Trapezius Strengthening on Patients with Neck Pain. Med Sci Monit. 2020.