Headache Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
At Gonstead Physical Medicine, we specialize in helping patients find headache relief. We have been successfully treating people with headaches for over 30 years. Headaches are more common than most people realize, with studies showing that 52% of the population has experienced some form of headache in recent years.
While many accept headaches as a normal part of life, frequent headaches can signal an underlying issue that requires attention.
$49 Chiropractic Special
- Consultation
- Exam
- X-Rays
- Dr’s Report of Findings
- First Treatment & Report On Day 2 Appointment
How Our Headache Care Plan Works
Find It
Through our meticulous exam process we are going to find the root cause of your problem and show you exactly what is going on.
Fix It
We will develop a custom plan of attack using our comprehensive approach that won’t just have you feeling better in the short term but will give you the lasting results that you have been looking for.
Forget It
When you aren’t feeling 100% it is hard to focus on much else. Once we get you feeling and functioning better you will be able to forget all about your problem and get back to enjoying your life!
How We Treat Headaches In Phoenix, AZ
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
Our initial assessment includes an examination using a nervous scope to detect pinched nerves that could be causing your headaches. A motion palpation exam will identify any misaligned or stuck vertebra that could be putting direct pressure on the nerve, while static palpation will assess for edema around the vertebra, as well as any muscle spasms and trigger points. We also do a visual exam of the surrounding tissue for inflammation of any blood vessels that could be restricting blood flow and causing your headache.
Digital X-rays
We take X-rays of the spine to check for misalignments and vertebrae that can be contrite. We use state-of-the-art, digital X-ray imaging that provides excellent diagnostics and is incredibly safe. We use a special marking system to identify all the misalignments in any abnormality.
We may prescribe an MRI if we feel that the problem is caused by a disc issue. Cervical disc degeneration can cause severe headaches by impeding blood flow and blocking nerve supply to the head.
After our doctors collaborate and study the X-rays, possible MRIs, and exam findings, we will design an attack plan to treat the root cause of the headaches.
Specific Chiropractic Care in Phoenix, AZ
We correct subluxations with specific, gentle spinal adjustments following the Gonstead Technique. This effective technique addresses the misaligned vertebra from three different vectors, making the correct precise. Restored spinal alignment reduces nerve irritation and improves blood flow, allowing your body to heal and relieve your headaches naturally.
Massage Therapy
We prescribe specific massage therapy to work on any muscles and trigger points that are contributing to the headache. It is unique that our team of doctors communicates with the massage therapist to specifically instruct where the massage should be performed and where the root cause of the problem exists. Massage relaxes the muscles and ligaments to adapt to correct positions and spinal alignment. It also contributes to alleviating the stress and tension the patient might be experiencing. Various techniques of massage are available depending on your unique situation, ranging from deep tissue to Swedish to therapeutic stretching.
Nutritional Therapy and Lab Work
Nutritional therapy and lab work are available for patients with a chemical toxin causing their headaches. We offer hormonal palette blood work panels to see if estrogen, progesterone levels, or other factors contribute to the headache. After identifying an imbalance, we provide a wide range of nutritional therapies and diet advice to help reconcile the imbalance. We provide vitamin IVs and injections to help restore deficiencies and imbalances. We offer a complimentary review of the lab work and may also recommend herbal remedies to restore proper blood flow and alleviate any vasodilation contributing to migraine or hormonal headaches. The lab work is conveniently done on site as well as the Vitamin IV Therapy making it a convenient way for patients to get the chiropractic care they need along with the nutritional therapy in the same location.
Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Red light therapy helps alleviate muscle spasms and headache trigger points. It consists of an 880-nanometer wavelength and infrared lights to enhance circulation, promote healing, and reduce pain. These lights also support mitochondrial function for overall brain health. The therapy is painless and very relaxing and has produced excellent results.
DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy in Phoenix, AZ
Spinal Decompression Therapy is extremely useful when the root cause of the headache is degenerative, bulging, or herniated discs, particularly in the cervical spine. We utilize the most advanced therapy, the DRX 9000.
It works by gently stretching the cervical spine and allowing the disc material to return to its normal position. Spinal decompression rehydrates your discs with nutrients, allowing your nerves more room to function correctly. Decompression also helps reinforce proper alignment and curvature of the cervical spine, alleviating muscle tension in the neck.
At Gonstead Physical Medicine, we know that headaches can be debilitating ruining the quality of life of those who suffer from them. We strive to offer an all-inclusive approach to chronic headache relief.
Common Types of Headaches in Phoenix, AZ
Headaches vary significantly in type, cause, and severity. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Migraine
Migraine headaches are an intense throbbing pain starting on one side of the head, usually accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances referred to as an aura. These headaches can last for days. Migraines can be caused by:
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Food Sensitivities
- Environmental Sensitivities
- Stress
- Genetic Factors
- Trauma
- Nerve pressure in the cervical spine caused spinal misalignments (subluxations)
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are very common. They are triggered by stress, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or spinal misalignment that causes nerve impingement. Tension headaches feel like a dull ache, and people often describe them as a sensation of a tight band of pressure around the head.
Cluster Headaches
These headaches can be the most debilitating, characterized by severe, sharp pain around one eye or side of the head occurring in clusters over weeks or months. Causes include problems with the hypothalamus, nerve irritation caused by subluxations, or trauma to the head. Common triggers include alcohol, strong smells, and seasonal changes. Due to the severity of the pain, these headaches may also cause depression and anxiety.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are deep throbbing pains around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead that are usually related to nasal congestion or a previous bacterial or viral infection of the sinuses. They are caused by inflammation or infection in the sinus cavities. Allergies are a significant contributor to this problem. Homes with mold and mildew buildup can also cause these sinus infection headaches.
Rebound Headaches (Medication Overuse Headaches)
These types of headaches are persistent dull aches occurring after the overuse of pain relief medications such as Excedrin and other medications containing caffeine. This is often seen in those who are addicted to these medications and use them frequently.
Hormonal Headaches
Hormonal headaches are very similar to migraines and are linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. The origin of this problem is caused by fluctuation in estrogen levels, estrogen dominance, and heavy menstrual bleeding associated with anemia. It is best to uncover the root cause of the hormone imbalance to reconcile these types of headaches.
Exertional Headaches
Exertion headaches are characterized by throbbing pain during or after physical activity due to increased blood flow to the head. People with abnormal blood pressure can also experience this type of headache. People who consume excessive alcohol or chemicals with artificial sugars and flavors are more susceptible to exertion headaches.
Caffeine-Related Headaches
Caffeine-related headaches are a dull ache or throbbing pain following abrupt reduction or cessation of caffeine intake. They are commonly seen in students or people who rely on caffeine for energy and work long hours. It is not recommended to ever stop caffeine abruptly but to gradually decrease the amount each day to avoid this terrible throbbing headache. The cause of this is the vasoconstriction that caffeine causes when this substance is removed.
Hypertension Headaches
Hypertension headaches are caused by high blood pressure, which causes a pulsing or throbbing sensation, typically on the back of the head. Exercise or hot climates can exacerbate this type of heat.
Neurological Headaches
Neurological headaches are severe, persistent pain due to an underlying health condition. Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors, and nerve disorders are the cause of these types of headaches.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Headache Relief
While over-the-counter pain relievers can offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of headaches and may lead to long-term issues such as dependency or rebound headaches. Chiropractic care provides a natural, drug-free approach to managing and preventing headaches.
1. Tackling the Root Cause
Spinal misalignments (subluxations) and muscle imbalances often contribute to tension headaches and migraines. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve circulation.
2. Relieving Muscle Tension
Poor posture and cervical misalignments place unnecessary strain on the neck and shoulders, leading to headaches. Chiropractic care alleviates this tension by correcting spinal posture.
3. Encouraging Lifestyle Adjustments
Our team offers ergonomics, posture correction, nutrition, and stress management guidance to help prevent recurring headaches.
4. Eliminating Medication Side Effects
Unlike pain relievers, chiropractic care is free of side effects, providing a safer, long-term solution.
5. Enhancing Nervous System Function
Spinal adjustments optimize the nervous system, enhancing the body’s ability to heal naturally.
6. Tailored Care Plans
Each treatment plan is customized to the patient’s needs, addressing specific headache types and underlying issues.
7. Supporting Holistic Health
Chiropractic care improves overall health, reducing stress and enhancing quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
No! Adjustments relieve muscle tension and reduce nerve irritation, providing natural pain relief.
How long does an adjustment take to relieve headache pain?
For some patients, the relief is immediate; for others, it might take some time due to the origin of the problem. If a patient has a herniated or bulged disc, it can take several treatments to feel relief.
How can vitamin IV therapy help my headaches?
Providing hydration and nutrients can greatly reduce headaches. Many people do not realize they are dehydrated. They drink energy drinks and coffee, sit at a computer all day, and do not practice good nutrition. Vitamin IVs flush out toxins and alleviate inflammation. Many of our patients benefit greatly from vitamin IVs, typically receiving one once a month.
What type of massage therapy is most effective for headaches?
Trigger point therapy alleviates the muscle spasms and knots in the back of the neck. Our massage therapists are highly trained in these massages and can provide tremendous relief. There are no side effects, which helps alleviate the stress and tension. How often you should get a massage depends on your level of stress and headache severity.
How does spinal decompression help alleviate headaches?
After we take X-rays, we have a clearer picture of the health of your spinal discs. Your discs are shock absorbers, which can create pressure in the head and neck when worn out. Degenerative discs can also cause a loss of cervical curves that make the head feel like a pack of bricks is lying on it. Spinal decompression restores disc health. Restoring the height of the disc and correcting your healthy cervical curve leads to tremendous headache relief.
$49 Chiropractic Special
Consultation, Exam, X-Rays, Dr’s Report of Findings, First Treatment & Report On Day 2 Appointment