Headache Treatment in New Jersey

Headaches are one of the most common types of pain, with over 40% of the global population experiencing headache-related pain every year, according to Cleveland Clinic. Most headaches are mild and go away on their own after some time, but some can produce debilitating pain that affects daily functioning. 

When you need headache treatment in New Jersey, be sure to call Align Health & Wellness. Our specialists are trained in a wide range of headache pain management techniques and can put together a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals. Our doctors have decades of experience treating headache pain and take great care in providing exceptional services. 

Send us a message today to speak to a headache specialist in NJ!

Medical professionals often divide headaches and migraines into three distinct types:

• Tension headaches result from tightness in the muscle groups near the base of the skull and upper neck. Tension headaches typically manifest on both sides of the skull and are the most common type of headache.
• Cervicogenic headaches result from musculoskeletal issues in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. For example, misaligned vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal cord and muscles. Cervicogenic headaches usually produce pain on one side of the neck and head. About 36% of patients who complain of headaches have cervicogenic headaches, according to ScienceDirect.
• Cluster headaches create intense, intermittent pain on both sides of the skull. Cluster headaches often recur after months or years with no symptoms.  

Headache treatments can include manipulation techniques and exercises to loosen muscles and increase flexibility and mobility. Our doctors use a range of treatment modalities to create unique, personalized plans that account for an individual’s physical condition and ability. 

Chiropractors perform a range of spinal manipulation techniques to reduce pressure and align the spine to manage cervicogenic pain. Common chiropractic techniques for cervicogenic head pain include:

• Spinal manipulation
• Spinal decompression
• Joint mobilization
• Deep flexion exercises
• Daily stretches

These techniques target specific structures and tissues in the neck to realign the spine and relax muscles. It is important to note that chiropractic treatment that targets the cervical vertebrae does have risks, including:

• Disc herniation
• Nerve compression
• Bleeding
• Blood vessel damage

However, when performed by a qualified professional, patients should experience little to no adverse side effects. As part of your headache treatment in New Jersey, your chiropractor might also recommend certain exercises or lifestyle changes to your diet and sleep schedule. 

Physical therapy is another viable option to treat pain from tension and cervicogenic headaches. The two main modalities of physical therapy treatment for headaches are manual therapy and area-targeted exercises. In the case of headaches, exercises that can help include:

• Yoga stretching
• Side neck stretches
• Head rotations
• Chin tucks
• Scapula squeezes

The effectiveness of individual exercises depends on the root cause of the severity of the headache. Our physical therapists will work with you to identify the root causes of headaches so they can design an effective and targeted physical therapy routine. 

Studies have found manual physical therapy to be very effective at reducing pain from headaches and reducing the incidence of headache episodes. A 2017 systematic review in BMC Neurology found that up to 82% of participating patients who received manual therapy reported partial or full pain relief from headaches. 

Acupuncture is an old technique that dates back to ancient China and involves stimulating the nerves and muscles by inserting small needles in pressure points. The needles stimulate the production of hormones and endorphins that can reduce pain and inflammation. 

One study from 2016 found that about 41% of patients who received acupuncture reported at least a half reduction in reported migraine pain, compared to just 17% who underwent no treatment. Moreover, the same study showed that acupuncture was at least as effective as, if not more than, traditional medication for headache relief. 

A typical appointment will begin with the acupuncturist asking you questions about your and your family’s medical history. After establishing a medical history, they will then begin placing needles in the affected areas. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, so many people don’t even feel them going in at all. A typical acupuncture session takes about an hour.

Even a minor headache can affect your ability to get around daily life. Our doctors at Align Health & Wellness have helped thousands of patients from all over New Jersey. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

If you are experiencing headaches after an accident and want to schedule headache treatment in New Jersey, contact Align Health & Wellness online or call today at (609) 799-8444!

Below is a list of some of the most common questions we receive about headache pain management and treatment options. 

When Should I See a Doctor for Headache Pain?

If your headache lasts for more than 72 hours, you should consider seeing a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your headaches cause vision impairment or loss of balance. 

How Can I Avoid Triggering Headaches and Migraines?

You can reduce the chance of triggering headaches by avoiding excessive sensory stimulation and avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine. You can also reduce the risk of migraines and headaches by eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough food. 

What Is the Difference Between Headaches and Migraines?

The main differences between headaches and migraines are their location and severity of the pain. Tension headaches typically manifest on both sides of the skull and produce a lower pain response. Migraine headaches are usually localized on one side of the head, can cause a runny nose, and usually produce sharper pain than tension headaches. 

What Are the Risk Factors for Headaches?

Common risk factors associated with headaches include:

• Age
• Obesity
• Poor sleep quality
• Low nutrition diet
• Bad posture
• Stimulant use (such as nicotine and caffeine)
• Anxiety and stress

Request headache treatment in New Jersey if you develop symptoms.