There are many different causes of headaches, from tight
muscles to dehydration. There is evidence available for chiropractic treatment
of three different types of headaches; migraine headaches, cervicogenic
headaches and tension type headaches.
1. Migraine
These are recurrent headaches
that usually last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days. They are often found just on
one side of the head and they can be quite severe. Some people have an aura
associated with these headaches, which is a temporary visual or auditory
disturbance that occurs before the headache starts. Nausea, vomiting and a
sensitivity to light and sound are common.
These types of headaches respond
quite well to spinal manipulation and massage. Also, counseling in exercise,
relaxation and stress-relieving techniques can help with the management of
these headaches.
These headaches occur frequently and
can last from minutes to days. Often the pain is present on both sides of the
skull and feels like a tight band around the skull. Usually there is no
vomiting or nausea associated with these headaches. The temples and back of the
skull may be tender to touch.
These types of headaches respond very
well to chiropractic care. Focusing on mobilization of the neck and muscle work
can help alleviate the symptoms of these headaches.
3. Cervicogenic headache
These headaches are caused by
some referral from the neck, whether it is the joint or the muscles. When
palpating the neck, pain may be felt in the head or the face, which means the
source of the pain is in the neck even though the symptoms are felt elsewhere.
These headaches respond very
well to spinal manipulation of the neck, joint mobilization of the neck and
deep neck flexor exercises. A combination of all these treatments help with the
management of the source of the pain as well as the symptoms.
Resources
1. Bryans et al. Clinical
Practice Guideline for the Management of Headache Disorders in Adults. 2012.
Canadian Chiropractic Association.
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