Minor Injuries: Seeking Treatment in a Timely Manner

Do you suffer from headaches that are so painful and debilitating that you wind up being nonfunctional for days at a time? A lot of headache drugs have side effects that create a frustrating host of other problems, which can make it difficult to find relief that still allows you to function like a normal human being. Fortunately, there are several other treatments that you can try that don't involve medication. 

Auricular Acupuncture

You may have heard about acupuncture, the traditional Chinese medication that involves sticking long, ultra-fine needles into the body at specific points in order to release blocked energy and relieve pain. A sub-specialty of this treatment is called auricular acupuncture, which focuses on the 200 or so acupuncture points located in the outer ear. Treatment has been shown to be effective on both tension headaches and migraines, and there are zero known side effects to this simple, natural method.

Aromatherapy

Headaches and migraine pain may be triggered by stress, so relaxation plays an important part of any treatment process aimed at eradicating head pain. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to help you relax and stimulate your body's endorphins, which act as natural pain killers. Popular choices for migraine relief include lavender and chamomile. Oils are diluted in alcohol and can be rubbed on the skin or put on a compress to help ease the pain of an acute attack.

Chiropractic Care

Research indicates that the pain in your head may actually originate in your neck, especially if you are suffering from tension headaches (though migraine sufferers often find relief as well).

Many headaches are rooted in a misalignment of the cervical vertebrae or a problem with the muscles in the upper back. Studies have shown that careful manipulation of these areas by a chiropractor can relieve an acute migraine almost immediately. Regular treatment by a chiropractor can provide longer-lasting relief than medication.

In addition to the benefits for those who suffer from tension headaches, 22% of migraine sufferers treated through chiropractic care received an incredible 90% reduction in attacks!

Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is a type of body manipulation and massage that focuses on specific zones on your feet. Practitioners apply pressure to specific reflex "points" on the feet, which are said to relate to the various organs and nerves in the body. Similar to acupuncture, it seeks to relieve blocked energy and tension throughout the body, although it doesn't have as long a history and less studies have been done on it.

There's no one treatment that works for all headache sufferers. In fact, it's not uncommon to find holistic health practitioners and chiropractors who will combine non-pharmaceutical treatments in order to get the best results for their patients. A little trial and error can help you find the right treatment, or combo of treatments, to relieve your pain. Contact alternative treatment centers, such as North Star Chiropractic Center, for more information.