Chronic headaches, migraines and neck pain are common health concerns and I see many patients with these conditions.  Modern stressful lifestyle habits of sitting at a computer for hours, driving long distances, lack of exercise and dehydration are frequent triggers and often, people become reliant on over the counter painkillers to get through their day.

Acupuncture is proven to be an effective solution for headaches and neck pain and NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) has now included acupuncture as a recommended treatment for this condition.

Painkillers can cause headaches!

In their recommendations, NICE has also noted how the overuse of painkillers is actually one of the most common causes of headaches.  Taking aspirin, paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen for more than 15 days each month can initiate a vicious cycle of worsening headaches which then require more pain relief.

For the majority of headache sufferers, this means their medications are making them feel worse, not better!

How does Acupuncture help headaches & neck pain?

Your acupuncture treatments with me will work holistically and include support for energy, digestion, managing stress – whichever body systems are in need.  As part of this holistic approach the acupuncture will bring you relief from headaches and neck pain by:

• Reducing stress and tension in your muscles and nervous system
• Stimulating nerve impulses to alter pain processing in your brain and nervous system
• Reducing inflammation via the release of circulatory and immune chemicals
• Increasing microcirculation to reduce muscle stiffness and pain

This whole-body approach brings about positive change, relief from your painful symptoms and increased overall wellbeing.  And of course, no side-effects such as stomach ulcers, gastric bleeding or medication headaches which you can develop with over the counter painkillers!

Check Your Posture!

Alongside acupuncture I will also advise you on diet and lifestyle techniques to support your treatments.  My top tips for managing headaches and neck pain include:

• Drink plenty of water! Your body needs roughly 1.5l of still, warm or room temperature water every day and even a small drop in hydration levels can trigger headaches and muscle tension.  Tea, coffee and caffeinated sports drinks can also cause headaches so should be avoided as much as possible.
• Check your posture when driving and using a computer; most workplaces provide suitable seating and desk space for when you need to use a computer but how about driving? Is your car seat too low or too close to the steering wheel?  A few small adjustments can make a huge difference to muscle tension in your head and neck.
• Sleep hygiene; good quality sleep is paramount. The adage “an hour before midnight is worth two after” is true and your body needs plenty of sleep in order to rest, repair and heal.

Are headaches and neck pain affecting YOUR LIFE? Call Tiziana today for PROVEN, SAFE, EFFECTIVE acupuncture treatments from one of the UK’s TOP 3 ACUPUNCTURISTS! 

Ring NOW on 07788 633292 or email at info@yorktraditionalacupuncture.co.uk

Photo credit: Gatis Gribusts