MURFREESBORO, Tenn., Dec. 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rutherford Clinic of Chiropractic in Murfreesboro, TN announced that the practice has had significant success using all-natural treatments for headache and migraine pain. According to chiropractor Dr. Wesley Stewart, an underlying mechanical misalignment in the cervical spine is a primary trigger for chronic headaches. Addressing this misalignment is the most effective way to reduce the frequency of headaches. Cervical spine adjustments also provide neck pain relief for patients who have sustained a whiplash injury.
Dr. Wesley Stewart, a Murfreesboro chiropractor, is educating patients about the benefits of chiropractic care for treating chronic headache pain and migraines.
"Chronic headaches and migraines can be incredibly debilitating," said Dr. Stewart. "Many patients feel like their only treatment option is medication to numb the pain. While medication can provide temporary relief, long-term use only covers up the pain without addressing the real problem. This means headache pain will persist."
Whiplash injuries are a leading cause for chronic headache pain. When the cervical spine is abruptly "whipped" forward during a car accident, it can be knocked out of proper alignment. Dr. Stewart says that restoring alignment is essential to managing headache pain.
According to Dr. Stewart, chiropractic care is an effective treatment option because it addresses the underlying cause for headaches, the spine's mechanical misalignment.
"Tension headaches are generally triggered by a muscle spasm," said Dr. Stewart. "Consequently, one of the most effective headache treatments is to eliminate their occurrence in the first place by preventing the muscle spasms."
A misalignment in the cervical spine can place pressure on the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle. This pressure can cause the muscle to spasm, which can lead to a headache. Dr. Stewart says that spinal decompression therapy is also an effective treatment for correcting cervical spine alignment and reducing pressure on the RCPM muscle.
According to Dr. Stewart, adjustments and spinal decompression therapy are also two effective tools for treating migraines.
"A number of different things can trigger migraine pain, including certain smells and foods," said Dr. Stewart. "While scientists are still learning more about these triggers, we do know that migraine pain is connected with blood vessel constriction. Adjustments to the cervical and thoracic vertebra may help reduce tension at muscle pressure points, which increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain."
Dr. Stewart follows a whole body approach to pain relief. In addition to spinal adjustments, Dr. Stewart works closely with patients to identify lifestyle factors that may be triggering migraines.
"Nutritional counseling and lifestyle modification can help reduce triggers for migraine pain," said Dr. Stewart. "Many patients are surprised by how a simple lifestyle change can make such a huge difference for overall health."
Prospective patients who would like to learn more about natural treatments from the Murfreesboro chiropractor may visit the practice's website http://rutherfordchiropractic.com