Headaches, particularly cervicogenic
headaches (CGH), are often rooted in musculoskeletal dysfunction of
the neck. For persons seeking long-lasting
relief, chiropractic care has long been a reliable means to that
end. An increasing body of evidence purports
that blending targeted exercise into a Sitka
chiropractic treatment plan can significantly enhance its
effectiveness—especially when it comes to managing chronic
headache pain. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka is equipped to help!
HEADACHE’S RESPONSE TO EXERCISE
A new randomized controlled trial explored
this very connection. Published in The Journal
of Headache and Pain, the effects of neck-specific exercises and
health promotion on office workers dealing with
headaches was positive. The findings revealed
that participants who performed targeted neck exercises noted
significant reductions in headache frequency and intensity. This
indicates that exercise, when added to
chiropractic care, can elevate treatment outcomes for
headache sufferers. (1)
HEADACHE RESPONSE TO EXERCISE AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE
These outcomes align with
broader clinical insights showing that manual therapies—such
as spinal manipulation and mobilization offered here at
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka—are most effective when paired with active
interventions like exercise. Chiropractic adjustments return
joint motion and lower tension in the cervical spine, while
exercise helps stabilize the
musculature, boost posture, and amplify resilience
against future flare-ups. A systematic review in Chiropractic & Manual
Therapies emphasized the efficacy of manual therapies, such
as spinal manipulation and mobilization, in handling cervicogenic
headaches. The review found moderate-to-large positive outcomes
in lowering headache intensity and frequency, especially
when blended with exercise interventions. This combination
approach seems to offer a thorough solution
for containing CGHs. (2)
HEADACHE EXERCISE
What exercises may help most? Deep neck flexor
strengthening, scapular stabilization, and postural training have been shown
to not only decrease headache symptoms but also reduce
the need for medication and improve quality of life. The synergy between chiropractic adjustments and exercise gives
back some control to patients by attending to
both the root biomechanical issues and the lifestyle factors adding
to their pain. Moreover, regular movement promotes better
circulation, lowers stress—a known headache trigger—and supports
long-term neuromuscular health. Chiropractors like yours at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka are
distinctively positioned to prescribe personalized
exercise regimens that support
spinal care goals and each patient’s specific needs.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Adding exercise into your chiropractic
care routine is not just an add-on; it’s a critical
step toward sustainable headache management. Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. David Kulla on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
details relieving treatment of headache and neck pain following
the use of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Make your Sitka chiropractic
appointment now.
