Headache

Like neck pain, headache is a very common problem with many possible causes. Some headaches are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain. The pain can also be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, blurred vision, and possibly other neurological symptoms when it is severe.

The ability to be able to think clearly and make decisions in our daily life can be easily destroyed with a headache. Many times, it causes so much disability and not able to function through the day and affect their productivity.

There are many different types of headaches. The more common types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches. Triggers like foods, environmental stimuli (noises, lights, stress, etc.) and/or behaviours change (insomnia) and/or sedentary postural stress can all lead to the onset of headache. The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. In fact, most common cause of neck pain is mechanical in origin.

Seeing a qualified health professional, such as a chiropractor, who is experienced in diagnosing conditions of the neck and spine, can help treat your headache. Doctors of Chiropractic undergo extensive training to help their patients in many ways beyond just treatment for low-back pain.

Can Chiropractic help your headache?

Chiropractors can assess, diagnose, and manage headaches. Current evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including manual therapy, can be effective in treating cervicogenic and tension headaches. Many literature studies have also shown that chiropractic treatment can help decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines. When visit a chiropractor for the treatment of headache, treatment methods may include:

 

• Manual therapy (Spinal Manipulation)
• Myofascial Release / Soft tissue therapy
• Modalities including electrical stimulation, acupuncture, and/or ultrasound
• Spinal rehabilitation
• Lifestyle changes and education
• Referral and co-management

 

“Cervical spine manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache.” – McCrory, Penzlen, Hasselblad, Gray (2001), Duke Evidence Report