 | Dr. Jennifer Peterson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City. She was awarded the prestigious Clinic Service Award in recognition of dedicated commitment and service to patients at the Cleveland Chiropractic Health Clinic. Dr. Peterson has done post-graduate work and been certified in Meridian Therapy (Acupuncture) and Cox Flexion-Distraction technique. Dr. Peterson is originally from Winfield, KS. She graduated from Winfield High School and then attended the University of Kansas. After graduating with a degree in Spanish from KU, she moved to Kansas City to attend Cleveland Chiropractic College. Dr. Peterson worked as an associate doctor for a year in Jackson, Mississippi before returning to Kansas to be closer to family and open her own clinic. Dr. Peterson enjoys walking, rollerblading and spending time with her infant niece, Alivia. You may e-mail her petersonchiropractic@birch.net, or call her at Peterson Chiropractic at (316) 448-0398. |
Chiropractic Care
2005-01-01 08:51:00
Can chiropractic help headaches?
ANSWER: There are many different types of headaches, some of which can be treated in a chiropractic clinic. One type of headache, a muscle tension headache, usually manifests as a "tight band" feeling around the head with tight neck muscles. Migraine headaches, on the other hand, are usually more of a pounding pain in the head, possibly on one side of the head or behind the eyes. The individual with a migraine may first notice "spots" in their visual field, nausea or other prodromal symptoms (i.e. symptoms that are almost a signal that a migraine is about to begin). Some research indicates that migraines may be caused by hormonal changes, which may be why they are much more common in women. Some people report that things like cheeses, wines or chocolate can trigger a migraine for them. Still another type of headache is the cervicogenic headache, which is caused by some type of problem with the neck bones and joints. There are many other causes of headaches than those I have listed here, but all of the above types of headaches often respond to manipulation to the neck and upper back. Research has established that chiropractic adjustments or manipulation may alleviate headaches or migraines. The adjustments restore normal joint function and relax the muscles in the neck and upper back, which help keep headaches under control. Additionally, there are some very good acupuncture or acupressure treatments that can be used in conjunction with chiropractic manipulation. Needles are used to stimulate the acupuncture point or a non-piercing needle can be very effective as well, particularly if the patient has an aversion to needles. Many people in our culture today consider headaches to be almost "normal." That is just not true. Headaches, just like other symptoms you might suffer, signal that there is some type of malfunction in your body. This is much like the warning lights on the dashboard of your car. It would not be wise to ignore those or your car may break down. Headaches are just one of the body's many "warning lights" that can indicate a serious problem.
