Narrator: Hi! I'm Dr. Hamer. My team and I have been working very hard to get information to Veterans
about chiropractic services and how they can be used to treat headache conditions.
We hope that this video will give you helpful information to explore chiropractic care as
a treatment for your headaches. Let's look at how the information is organized in this video.
First, I'll define chiropractic and explain how it works. Then, I'll explore how chiropractic may
help improve your headaches. Next, I'll identify headaches for which chiropractic may be most
helpful. And finally, I'll help you understand what chiropractic may look like for treating headaches.
Chiropractic is a system of integrative medicine based on the treatment of misalignment,
or the lack of motion of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are held to
cause other problems by affecting the nerves, muscles and organs. The basic technique of
chiropractic, or spinal mobilization, is used to improve spinal alignment, reduce nerve irritation,
relax muscle tension, and improve blood flow. The chiropractor will often recommend exercise,
stretching and changes in the way you sit and stand, or teach relaxation strategies.
Most chiropractors will also provide guidance on nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs and
dietary recommendations toward the development of a long-term wellness plan to prevent future
headaches. Chiropractic care can provide a complete whole health focus treatment plan for chronic
headaches, giving patients an opportunity to put an end to what can be a very stubborn type of pain.
A chiropractic adjustment is a method for chiropractors to use their hands or a small tool
to apply a controlled sudden force to a joint at points along the spine. The goal of this procedure,
also known as a mobilization, is to improve motion and improve the body's physical function.
A neck adjustment is a treatment for headache. It is an exact procedure applied to the joints of the
neck, usually by hand. A manual neck adjustment may produce a noise similar to a popping or cracking
sound. That sound is a release of gas in the joint as the joint opens. The chiropractor will examine
the cervical spine for limitations of movement in each of the joints of the neck and perform the
adjustment where there is a limitation of motion in order to restore that movement to the joint.
Chiropractors usually look for misalignments of the bones of the spine on x-rays. Sometimes these
bones will rotate or slip forward or backwards and create pinched nerves causing headaches.
A neck adjustment can be performed in order to nudge the spinal bones back in place. Chiropractic
has been rising in its use by Veterans with pain conditions. The science of chiropractic has been
growing and VA physicians have been integrating chiropractic as part of holistic care. Chiropractic
has the most scientific support for migraine tension-type headache and cervicogenic headache.
You should speak with your provider about your specific headache symptoms.
In the VA chiropractors use a range of approaches including spinal adjustments, education about
changes in ways of living, physical therapy, the application of heat and ice therapies,
massage and advanced soft tissue therapies, and strengthening and stretching exercises.
When a patient agrees to a trial of chiropractic treatment,
their treatment plan may consist of one to three times per week for four to six weeks and then
you'll be re-evaluated at the end of this trial period. This plan is customized to the individual.
If there is improvement in your headaches, a maintenance program may be recommended in
order to continue and maintain that success. Although chiropractic is generally safe,
there are few contraindications or those situations in which people should probably
avoid chiropractic. For instance, if someone has a fusion of the neck, plaques in their carotid artery,
fear of adjustments in the neck because of the possible sound when the joints open,
and finally if patients have pre-existing cardiovascular problems. These patients may not
be the most appropriate to receive chiropractic care for their headaches. Chiropractic care is
available to all eligible Veterans as part of the standard medical benefits package.
services are provided on station at most major medical centers and some VA outpatient clinics.
VA facilities that do not have on-site chiropractic clinics provide these services by community care.
What about next steps then? First, you should speak with either your primary care clinician
or your pain clinician about a referral to chiropractic.
You should discuss your individual risks and or benefits with a physician trained in chiropractic.
And finally, understand that chiropractic is not a one size fits all and often works better
in conjunction with other treatments. In summary, chiropractic is a system of integrative medicine
based on misalignment or the lack of motion of the joints. Chiropractic has the most
scientific support for migraine, tension-type headache and cervicogenic headache.
In the VA, treatment options include active rehabilitation,
spinal adjustments, and other manual therapies and patient education. Speak with your primary care or
pain clinician about a referral to chiropractic, as well as your individual risks and benefits.