Do you feel like you're constantly carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do stressful situations overwhelm you to the point that you lose sleep or appetite? Do you also notice an onset of headaches whenever stressful incidents arise? Do you experience a pounding headache that refuses to go away? Are you struggling to get through the day because of a persistent throbbing in your head? 

Headaches can be a common health complaint, and they can be due to a variety of factors, including stress. As someone who experiences episodes several times a month, you may be wondering how you should move forward and take better control of your situation.

You might also want to look into the answers to questions like “Should you go to the chiropractor if you have a headache?” and “Is it possible to avoid stress-related headaches altogether?”.

If you are an Upper Cervical patient, a headache can feel like a setback in your progress. But it's important to recognize the symptoms of stress-related headaches and take steps to manage them so that you can continue to heal and live a fulfilling life. It's also essential to learn as much as you can about your headache triggers so you can get ahead of your episodes and prevent them from ruining your day.

Recognizing The Effects of Stress on the Body

Stress can be a common cause of headaches. When you're under a lot of stress, your body releases hormones that can cause physical changes, including muscle tension, increased heart rate, and in blood pressure fluctuations. These changes can lead to tension headaches or migraines, the most common stress-related headaches. 

Stress can also trigger other headaches, such as cluster and sinus headaches. However, it's important to note that while stress can cause headaches, a healthcare professional may also need to rule out other underlying medical conditions.

Upper Cervical Misalignment, Stress, and Headaches

If you're in the process of getting regular upper cervical adjustments, or you're adjustments are holding well until one day, symptoms are back, stress can be a factor.

While mental or emotional stress cannot directly cause Upper Cervical misalignment, it can worsen misalignments. For example, if you are under extreme stress due to work, financial problems, relationship conflicts, or other personal reasons, you may be unconsciously clenching your jaw, putting more tension on your neck and shoulder muscles, and succumbing to poor posture. 

Over time, existing postural problems caused by poor posture and a long history of neck and head trauma can worsen. This increases your risks for more severe episodes and heighten your susceptibility to other issues like chronic pain, vertigo, and nerve compression. 

Your stress can also lead to other issues that can further cause a significant decline in your health. This includes loss of appetite, weight gaine, poor sleep quality, and mental health problems. 

Should You Go To The Chiropractor If You Have A Headache?

If you're experiencing headaches again that you suspect may be due to stress, a return visit to your Upper Cervical Chiropractor may be necessary. You may already know that stress and other external factors can affect your body's proper balance and alignment. In addition, stress can set you off and manifest into physical pain. While each person's situation is unique, Upper Cervical Chiropractic care can be helpful in stress-related headaches, particularly those caused by misalignments in the upper cervical spine.

Correcting the alignment can help ease the pain and discomfort. That's one less worry for you. Therefore you can focus on dealing with your situation better. In addition to regular Upper Cervical Care, specific lifestyle changes and stress management techniques can help reduce stress and prevent future headaches from happening. This can include things like exercise, meditation, and proper nutrition.
If you need help finding a qualified Upper Cervical Chiropractor who can provide personalized care and help you find relief from your symptoms, check out this directory.