Chiropractic Health & Wellness Blog
Natural Ways to Relieve Headaches
When your head is pounding, it can feel almost impossible to simply live your life. And even though you have work, home, and family obligations, you may find that the only thing that makes you feel better is lying in bed or on the couch, which may be okay if you only have headaches occasionally. But if you tend to experience head pain more often than not, like some of our Minneapolis chiropractic patients do, then you are probably looking for a better solution.
Certainly, there are a number of medications out there designed to help you relieve your headaches and migraines, but they’re not always the best option. Either the ingredients in them make you feel wired and keep you up all night, or they make you so drowsy that you can’t stay awake long enough to hear about your Quick read more or view full article child’s day when they get home from school.
So, if you’re looking for some all-natural headache cures that work, here are five to try the next time your head pain strikes:
- Watch your diet. Certain foods have been found to actually trigger headache and migraine pain, which means that watching your diet can help reduce the number of head pain episodes, as well as lessening their duration and intensity. Some foods and ingredients to watch out for, according to WebMD, include cheeses, food additives such as nitrites and food coloring, Chinese food (thanks to the MSG), chocolate, caffeine, dried fruits, crackers, canned soups, and cold foods like ice cream. It also helps to keep a food diary so you can identify triggers specific to you.
- Do some stretching exercises. Sometimes headaches are caused due to tight muscles in the neck and shoulder area, which makes loosening them critical to relieving the headache pain. One stretch to try is simply tilting your head from side to side as far as you can. Another involves standing up straight and rolling your shoulders back, bringing your shoulder blades together as close as you can. No matter which type of stretches you do, be sure to use slow and controlled movements so you don’t aggravate the area even further.
- Get a massage. If your headaches are due to stress and tension, a massage may be just what you need to help relax your tense muscles and your mind. Here at Lyn Lake Chiropractic, we offer soft tissue and massage therapy services to all of our Minneapolis chiropractic clients, potentially helping you lessen or eliminate your head pain entirely. In the meantime though, don’t be afraid to take a few minutes and give yourself a nice, soothing temple or neck massage. It may just release some of the pain and make you feel a better almost instantly.
- Take peppermint oil and rub it on your forehead and temples. One study published in a German health publication found that, when compared to a placebo, individuals who took two peppermint oil capsules (each one containing 10 grams of 10% peppermint oil) and also spread some of the oil on their temples and foreheads experienced greater levels of relief in just 15 minutes time, with the positive effects lasting an hour later. This is definitely a great all-natural way to say goodbye to your head pain.
- Engage in regular chiropractic care. Of course, we would be totally remiss if we didn’t tell you how great engaging in regular chiropractic care can be for easing your chronic headache pain. If your headaches are due to tension, they typically respond well to chiropractic since these particular types of headaches are often caused by subluxations (misalignments) in your neck area. Even migraines symptoms can lessen with chiropractic care, as one study conducted by a doctor at Macquarie University revealed that 22% of chiropractic patients experienced a “substantial reduction” in migraine symptoms as a result of treatment, with an additional 50% reporting “quite noticeable improvement.”
If you suffer from frequent headaches, make an appointment at Lyn Lake Chiropractic today. Our Minneapolis chiropractors will do what we can to help you relieve, and possibly even eliminate, all of your head-related pain!
Read LessMinneapolis Chiropractic Reviews
Stuart T. Google
Meredith L. Google
bikic - Google
- Rachael A.
- Minneapolis, MN - Yelp
Thank goodness for Ryan. I slept through the entire night last night for the first time in a week and a half! He is just the best.
I grew up kind of against chiropractors as my mom thought they were "hacks" so I never went until my mid-20s when I started working out a lot and spending a LOT of time in my car as an outside sales rep. I searched on Yelp and found Lyn Lake Chiropractic. I was hooked from my first experience.
Their care model is one I fully support and love that they don't just rush through everything to get you out the door quickly. You get e-stim, a massage, and then a full adjustment plus Graston/ultrasound/additional therapies if necessary. Ryan specifically has been amazing to work with and every single time I see him I walk out feeling 5x better than when I arrived.
I definitely recommend these guys, espeically for athletes that do work on their bodies. If you are on the fence about trying chiropractic work definitely come to Ryan and he will get you hooked :)
Dr. Kevin is one awesome dude. My first visit was a walk in and he adjusted 45 minutes after he closed. Very professional, very knowledgable, definitely knows his stuff. He snapped my body around and made me feel awesome. He's very approachable, and easy to talk to . I will definitely be back there!
Lyn Lake Chiropractic wants to say Thanks to our amazing patients. Minneapolis, MN 55408
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Fight For Air Climb - February 27, 2010
Lyn Lake Chiropractic our Minneapolis Chiropractors are proud sponsors of the Fight For Air Climb. We'll be here today. We'll provide Massage Therapist, Personal Trainers and Chiropractors to help you make it to the top. We will support you and your friends and family by being here today. See you at the Top!
THE FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB!
It's more than a walk, it's more than a run...go vertical for a unique challenge!
The Fight For Air CLIMB is a unique fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Sometimes called a "vertical road race" participants can use the event as a fitness target or as race. Climbers can enjoy the personal challenge or race against other climbers. In either case it's a great way to be active.
Individuals and teams race, run or walk up the 660 steps to reach the top of the Accenture Tower. Create Quick read more or view full article a team of friends, family or co-workers and compete together. This event is a great way to challenge yourself - whether your goal is just to reach the top or to be the first to cross the finish line - you will walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs!
The American Lung Association's climbs are a wonderful way to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away.
The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. Read Less
Press Releases for February 4, 2010 Lyn Lake Chir
Chiropractors at Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic Provide Minneapolis, MN, Resource As Official MyFoxTwinCities.com ASK THE EXPERTS Sponsor
Lyn Lake Chiropractic, located in Minneapolis, MN, has become an official sponsor of myFOX9.com’s ASK THE EXPERTS Online consumer resource. Their chiropractors now provide information and answer questions about common chiropractic topics ranging from back and neck pain to massage therapy and sports injuries for residents of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) February 4, 2010 -- Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic has become an official sponsor of www.myfoxtwincities.com 's ASK THE EXPERTS, providing people in the Minneapolis, MN, and surrounding twin cities metro area with valuable information on common chiropractic topics and questions.
We are proud to be able to partner with such a respected media outlet as Fox to provide people in the Minneapolis area with the information they need Quick read more or view full article to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness ASK THE EXPERT was developed in 1995 to provide consumers with access to information in the areas of health, legal, financial, and home improvement. Currently, more than 50 media outlets across the country bring consumers this relevant information on over 100 topics. ASK THE EXPERTS is a community resource that is free to consumers thanks to local sponsorship from businesses such as Lyn Lake Chiropractic.
“We are proud to be able to partner with such a respected media outlet as Fox to provide people in the Minneapolis area with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness,” says Dr. Kevin Schreifels, Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of Lyn Lake Chiropractic. “We know that many people in the community trust ASK THE EXPERTS to answer questions they have about important life topics and feel that our years of experience allow us to offer valuable chiropractic insights.”
Lyn Lake chiropractic currently provides information on general chiropractic care, back pain, neck pain, auto accident injuries, headaches, sports injuries, pain management and massage therapy for Hennepin County and Ramsey County. Consumers can also submit questions to Lyn Lake’s team of chiropractors directly via ASK THE EXPERTS’ online e-mail form.
“Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic emphasizes improving your health in an effort to reduce the risk of pain and illness,” says Schreifels. “We hope that the information we provide through ASK THE EXPERTS helps people find pain relief and tips for avoiding injuries in the first place.”
Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic has a talented team of experienced chiropractors, massage therapists and personal trainers. They also offer a breadth of other services such as chiropractic for children and the elderly, chiropractic for pregnant women, treatments for headaches, running injuries, sports injuries, and other special add-on services such as nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, and massage therapy.
To schedule your free consultation call the clinic’s 24-hour answering service at (612) 879-8000 or visit Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 2937 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis MN. The clinic also accepts walk-ins and “just driving by” appointments.
For more information about Lyn Lake Chiropractic visit www.lynlakechiropractic.com. Read Less
Headaches helped by Chiropractic
A Minneapolis Chiropractor: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine). It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight Quick read more or view full article muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. Consider having chiropractic and massage treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. Consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems.
Which Type(s) of Headache Do You Get?
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and yet their causes aren't well-understood. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head. As many as 90 percent of adults will suffer one or more tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
Migraine headaches - are the second most common type of headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12 percent of the population) will experience migraine headaches at some point in their life. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more females than males are affected. An estimated 6 percent of men and up to 18 percent of women will experience a migraine headache during their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are so named because the attacks come in groups. The pain arrives with little, if any, warning, and has been described as the most severe and intense of any headache type. It generally lasts from 30-45 minutes, although it might persist for several hours before disappearing. Unfortunately, the pain can recur later in the day. Most sufferers experience one to four headaches a day during a cluster period.
Cluster headaches frequently surface during the morning or late at night; the cluster cycle can last weeks or months and then can disappear for months or years. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the population are victims of cluster headaches. More men (about five to one) than women suffer from cluster headaches.
There is no doubt that headaches of all types affect quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others are debilitated. Tension, migraine, and cluster headaches are not life-threatening. However, due to the quality and intensity of the pain, people often have trouble concentrating, and their work and home life suffer. In many cases, you hear of people having to go to sleep in order to make the headache disappear, which can be difficult to do when you're in pain.
What You Can Do to Get Rid of Headaches?
Most people with headaches treat themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as asprin (Motrin, Advil), (Tylenol) and (Aleve). If these fail to provide more than short-term relief (which they often do), other supportive treatments are available. It is important to remember that OTC medications may have side effects and potential interactions with prescription medications. This can lead to a whole host of problems and emphasizes the value of alternatives to drugs.
Here are some of the most important (and effective) nonpharmaceutical options for dealing with headaches:
Chiropractic: I have never seen a headache patient who did not have some type of misalignment of the bones of the neck (cervical spine) which can cause neck pain and headaches. It is amazing how much muscle spasm and tension can be caused by misaligned bones. When bones are even slightly out of alignment, the muscles attached to them become stressed, so they become tight. Tight muscles restrict the flow of information through the nerves and circulation through the blood vessels. This can contribute to all sorts of problems, including headaches and neck pain.
Having your chiropractor adjust those spinal bones back into their normal alignment will reset your system. The joints will have better movement, the muscles can begin to relax on their own and the circulation and nervous systems can start to flow again. The spine and the bones of the extremities really do hold the key to feeling good for the long term.
Massage Therapy: A good therapeutic massage by a certified massage therapist can relax muscle tissue, improve circulation, and clear out the toxins that are trying to drain (lymphatic system). It is astonishing how much muscle tension accompanies any type of headache in the body. The muscles of the neck and upper back are among the most powerful in the body. After all, they have to hold up the head, which can weigh as much as a bowling ball.
When chiropractic and massage work together, patients will respond especially well to care. I suggest to my patients that they should have their massage and chiropractic treatments within 36 hours of each other. This way, the adjustments and the muscle relaxation can work together.
Ergonomics: Daily habits and body positions are extremely important when it comes to preventing headaches. For example, I have found that for many people, headaches start with something as simple as their pillow. In general, sleeping on your back is best with a pillow under your neck and head. If you are going to sleep on your side, the pillow needs to be wide enough to span the distance between your shoulders and neck. Custom-made pillows are now available to help give you the proper support you need. Ask your chiropractor for guidance in this area to help ensure you get the pillow that's best for you.
Your computer desk or workstation and telephone setup also need to be examined. Improper keyboard and monitor placement can cause eye strain and make you crane your neck for hours on end. A chair that is not adjusted properly or fit to your body type can stress the entire body, including the neck. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Exercise: Performed correctly, specific exercises can help strengthen upper back and neck muscles and improve posture, which will reduce the risk of muscle tension and poor-posture-related dysfunction that can contribute to headaches. Exercise also reduces emotional stress, which often goes hand in hand with a headache. Remember, make sure that the exercises you are performing do not strain any of your neck and upper back muscles. I often recommend my patients who are starting a fitness routine for the first time to consult with a personal trainer or physical therapist for at least 3-5 sessions to learn the proper techniques for exercises. For those of you already exercising, consult with your doctor about the exercises you are doing to make sure they are not stressing your body too much and creating further problems. Call your local Minneapolis chiropractor.
LYN LAKE CHIROPRACTIC
2937 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55408
612.879.8000
www.lynlakechiropractic.com Read Less
Press Releases for December 3, 2009
Lyn Lake Chiropractic Clinic Honored as 2009 Minneapolis, MN Talk of the Town Award Recipient
Lyn Lake Chiropractic, located in Minneapolis, MN, is awarded with the 2009 Talk of the Town Plaque of Honor for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction.
The Talk of the Town Awards are the only independent award that honors the best in business based on popular user reviews found on today's most active user review websites.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) December 3, 2009 -- Lyn Lake Chiropractic clinic has been honored by Celebration Media U.S. as one of its 2009 Talk of the Town Award Recipients in the category of top Minneapolis, Minnesota chiropractors.
2009 Minneapolis Chiropractic Talk of the Town Award:
The Talk of the Town Awards recognize a host of businesses and professionals who have been noted by their customers through multiple websites for their excellent service and care. Research is collected and based Quick read more or view full article on high rankings from user review websites including, MerchantCircle.com, Yelp.com, yellowpages.com, CitySearch.com, Yahoo.com and Google.com.
We pride ourselves on offering the best quality chiropractic care possible. For the Minneapolis community to rate us so highly tells us we are living up to the superior standards we strive to achieve.
Achieving five star ratings across numerous sites, the chiropractors, massage therapists and personal trainers at Lyn Lake Chiropractic have a strong record of customer satisfaction. The clinic is also recognized as the Official Chiropractor of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
“We are honored to receive the 2009 Talk of the Town Plaque of Honor for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction,” says Dr. Kevin Schreifels, Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of Lyn Lake Chiropractic.
“We pride ourselves on offering the best quality chiropractic care possible. For the Minneapolis community to rate us so highly tells us we are living up to the superior standards we strive to achieve.”
Lyn Lake Chiropractic also offers other services, such as chiropractic for children and the elderly, chiropractic for pregnant women, treatments for headaches, running injuries, sports injuries, and other special add-on services such as nutritional counseling, lifestyle advice, and massage therapy.
To schedule your free consultation call the clinic’s 24-hour answering service at (612) 879-8000 or visit Lyn Lake Chiropractic at 2937 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis MN.
The clinic also accepts walk-ins and “just driving by” appointments.??For more information about Lyn Lake Chiropractic visit www.lynlakechiropractic.com. Read Less
Chiropractic supports massage therapy
Both long-term muscle tension and sudden impacts, such as a fall, car accident, whiplash can pull and hold your joints out of normal alignment. These misalignments, called subluxations, can disrupt nerve transmissions, especially in the spine which houses nerves affecting the entire body. The result is pain or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Lyn Lake Chiropractic chiropractors uses manipulations to return your joint to its normal position and restore joint mobility. Often, this restores balance within your body, allowing a return to optimal, pain-free health or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, or other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling, both at the site of the misalignment and frequently at related sites elsewhere in the body.
Soft tissue components of your pain
Joint subluxations, troublesome enough on their own, are Quick read more or view full article almost always accompanied by tension or injury in your soft tissue: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (connective tissue that permeates muscles and forms protective sheets throughout your body). Soft tissue pain can actually spread because it causes protective muscle tightening in surrounding areas. Over time, tight, inflamed muscles and fascia (together called myofascia) suffer poor circulation and can develop glue-like myofascial adhesions which prevent muscles from lengthening completely. Painful trigger points can also develop, often referring pain or tingling to other areas in the body. In extreme cases, tight muscles can compress nerves just as painfully as a subluxation.
Why soft tissue is important
Addressing soft tissue problems is an important complement to chiropractic care. This is because muscles move joints, while ligaments and fascia support them. If a subluxation is adjusted without addressing related soft tissue problems, you may still experience pain. In addition, your tight muscles and shortened fascia can pull your joint out of alignment again.
Massage therapy supports Chiropractic
You can benefit in a number of ways by adding massage therapy to your chiropractic care. Recovery is normally faster and more complete when you address multiple components of your pain. Chiropractic treatment often proceeds more easily, with less discomfort, when soft tissue has been relaxed with massage. You may be less anxious and more ready to receive chiropractic adjustment after a relaxing massage. Adjustments frequently last longer when muscle tension is released that might otherwise pull your joints out of alignment again.
Chiropractic supports massage
If you are seeking massage therapy for pain but find your pain Persists, recurs or even worsens after your massage, chiropractic could help in these ways: . If your pain involves a subluxation, chiropractic adjustment may give immediate relief as your joint is restored to alignment and mobility. You may find that surrounding soft tissue heals quickly once it is no longer subjected to the stress of misaligned joints. The joint movement in chiropractic adjustments can sometimes relax deep layers of soft tissue that can be difficult to reach with massage. . Your chiropractor can use x-rays and manual diagnostic techniques to evaluate other possible causes for your pain and can make appropriate referrals if necessary. Read Less