Help for Tacoma Headache and Migraine Sufferers

Almost everyone in Tacoma (and the world) will suffer from a headache at some point in their lives, and the causes behind the pain can be as individual as the person suffering. Headache and migraine pain is actually a symptom that indicates that there may be something else amiss in the body, particularly with the alignment of the spine. For example, many people who have suffered whiplash in a sports injury, workers compensation or car accident injury report suffering back pain and headaches too. Migraine sufferers and tension headache sufferers also report that certain external factors seem to trigger their suffering.

3 Common Triggers for Headaches and Migraines

While the causes behind headaches and migraines are still under investigation, research points to some clear triggers that people prone to headaches should try to avoid:

Stress—Stress can cause both hormonal changes and physiological changes in the muscles supporting the spine that can trigger headaches. Taking time out to relax and do things to de-stress can help to reduce headaches caused by too much stress.

Sleep deprivation—Not getting enough sleep, or changes in sleep patterns (like jet lag) also seem to instigate migraines and headaches. Sticking to a steady sleep schedule so the body and mind get an optimal amount of rest can help.

Foods—Chemicals in certain foods also seem to trigger migraines. Tyramine is a chemical that occurs naturally in aged cheeses, some processed meats, red wine and other alcoholic drinks. Many other preservatives and additives in processed foods seem to cause problems as well, so focus on more natural and organic foods and an overall healthy diet.

In addition to these common triggers, spinal misalignments in different areas of the spine can also lead to more headaches. Call us for an appointment so that we can try to find out what is causing your migraines or headaches and help you find lasting relief.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, what seems to trigger them? What treatments have you sought?

Four Steps To Take After An Auto Accident

Our chiropractors Dr. George Keogh and Dr. Darin Schultz, frequently assist our patients with recovery from car accident injury. When you are involved in a Tacoma auto accident, it can be a very frightening experience and it is absolutely normal to have some initial confusion after the accident happens. We decided to devote today's blog to providing some of the most essential steps to take after you are involved in an accident in the hope that we can alleviate some of that confusion for you.

Stay Calm and Be Safe

One of the most important things to keep in mind after an accident is to protect yourself in every way possible. This means guarding against insurance problems, back pain, chronic pain, and legal issues. The number one step you should take is calling the police. No matter where an accident happens and no matter how it happens, you will need to inform the authorities right away. Dial 911 to report the accident immediately and don't attempt to move yourself, other vehicle occupants, or the car immediately.

Step two following a car accident injury is to exchange insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. The police may assist with this. Regardless of who was at fault, both parties involved in an accident have the legal right to insurance information of the other party.

Step three after a Tacoma auto accident is to contact your insurance company. Let your insurance company know you were in an accident and give them the information for the other person's insurance company.

Step four is to seek chiropractic care from a qualified chiropractor like Dr. Keogh or Dr. Schultz. Car accidents frequently result in injuries like whiplash or back pain, and these injuries are not always evident immediately. The sooner that you seek chiropractic care, the more quickly you can begin the healing process and reduce the suffering from chronic pain!

What other tips can you provide to drivers involved in a car accident?

Here at Proctor Chiropractic, we offer experienced relief and wellness care to our Proctor, Federal Way, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and Fife area patients. Some of our patients who are new to Tacoma chiropractic care may be curious about the philosophy of care we provide so we would like to explain about that here in today's blog. Our chiropractor Dr. George Keogh and his colleague Dr. Darin Schultz follow the chiropractic philosophy of healing and wellness to help patients experience maximum relief.

Our Tacoma Chiropractors Focus on Pain Relief

Our philosophy is based on two fundamentals. First, that the body's structure and condition strongly impacts the way that the whole body functions and heals itself. Second, that the relationship between the brain and the body is vital in achieving and maintaining true and lasting healing.

Chiropractic methods are based on holistic healing -- meaning that it is a natural way of healing that focuses on using natural remedies and physical resolutions to healing rather than using medication or surgeries.

When a patient experiences injury, illness, or issues such as chronic pain or back pain, our treatment methods seek the underlying reason for the problem. When the cause of the pain or problem is determined, our chiropractor will address the pain condition where it originates in the spinal column. Since the complicated network of nerves that connect to the spine is in control of nearly all bodily functions in some way, the spine is invariably the place to begin when seeking the cause of the problem.

Our treatments include gentle spinal manipulations to put a stop to pain and other physical problems. Once our patients find relief from pain, we focus on helping them prevent pain from returning. When the body feels well, the mind also functions better. Total wellness is dependent upon this balance of mind and body functioning. We embrace natural spine-care here and are very proud to serve as your chiropractor.

Do you have questions about how our treatments work, or about how it differs from other types of medicine? Please ask below!