GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peak Performance Chiropractic in Grand Rapids, MI announced that the practice has had significant success using chiropractic care to help treat chronic headaches and migraines. According to chiropractor Dr. Michael Kwast, a misalignment in the cervical spine may be an underlying cause for headaches. By correcting a misalignment, Dr. Kwast helps reduce the occurrence of headache pain in his patients.
Chiropractor Dr. Michael Kwast and his colleagues Dr. Ryan Klier, DC and Dr. Amanda Pratt, DC are raising awareness about the importance of chiropractic care for treating headaches and pain management.
"Many patients are surprised to learn that a misalignment in their cervical spine may be causing their headaches," said Dr. Kwast. "People may mistakenly believe that lifestyle changes like cutting back on coffee or better managing stress will make a difference. For some people, these changes do help. For the vast majority of patients, however, a persistent mechanical misalignment will continue to cause headaches until this problem is corrected."
Dr. Kwast will perform diagnostic tests to determine the source of the pain. According to the chiropractor, whiplash injuries or even natural wear and tear can cause the cervical vertebra to slip out from its normal position. When this occurs, the vertebra can cause the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle to spasm.
The most common form of headache is a tension headache. Spasms in the RCPM muscle can trigger these headaches. Symptoms include a persistent dull, aching pain on either side of the head.
"As long as this muscle continues to spasm, patients will be at risk for tension headaches," said Dr. Kwast. "An effective way to relieve pain is to correct the underlying cause for the problem. Our gentle, hands-on adjustments safely restore alignment to the cervical spine. By relieving pressure on the muscle, we remove the underlying trigger for tension headaches."
In addition to tension headache pain management, Dr. Kwast also helps patients who struggle with chronic migraine pain, dizziness and vertigo.
"Constricted blood vessels in the brain cause migraines, although the underlying cause for blood vessel constriction is not fully understood," said Dr. Kwast. "However, our patients have benefited from adjustments to the cervical vertebrae and thoracic spine. Maintaining proper alignment helps reduce pressure on trigger points that may aggravate or contribute to migraines."
Dr. Kwast recommends that individuals who suffer from headaches seek care from a chiropractor. An initial diagnostic session can help identify if a spinal subluxation is responsible for triggering headache pain.
"Our goal is to help patients enjoy healthy, active lives," said Dr. Kwast. "This starts by correcting underlying mechanical problems that cause pain."
In addition to spinal adjustments, the Grand Rapids practice also offers massage therapy, nutrition counseling and natural pain relief for arthritis.
Peak Performance Chiropractic has two Grand Rapids office locations. Patients may schedule a diagnostic appointment at either of the two locations.