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The High Cost of Headaches

According to the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia (CAA), the estimated annual costs associated with headaches in that country, in terms of absenteeism and lost productivity, are $750 million. In the USA, the estimated annual costs are $16.9 billion! Seems like headaches are causing quite a few companies, and entire countries, a lot of money every year!

While there are many of the studies trying to quantify the cost of headaches in the workplace, very few of these focus on issues, such as quality of life, impact on the family, cost of out-of-pocket medical care (e.g., medications and health care practitioner visits). These costs, both tangible and intangible, take their toll on the headache sufferer as well.

Sometimes, headaches can be a symptom of a more serious illness. They can also be the result of many common causes, many of which can be effectively addressed through regular chiropractic care. Chiropractors are specially trained to locate spinal nerve disturbances. Then they use spinal adjustments to correct these abnormalities and imbalances, returning the nervous system to more optimal functioning, which in most cases, relieves the cause of the headaches.

A recent study, conducted by Macquarie University in Australia, found that chiropractic adjustments to the spine significantly reduced migraines in 72% of the people surveyed. Often over–the-counter and prescription pain relievers reduce the pain (symptom), but they don’t correct the underlying spinal problem that may be causing the headache in the first place.

Exercise caution when using pain medication to treat headache pain. Aside from other negative side effects, the use of over-the-counter medications may actually result in a “rebound effect,” which triggers additional headaches!

If you know someone who is a frequent headache sufferer, please let us know when you come in for your next visit. We can equip you with some information your friend or family member will find helpful. Headaches prompt many people to visit our office and we have been able to help most of them. Perhaps we can help your friend too.