This might surprise you but most headaches actually stem from the neck. Headaches related to the neck are called cervicogenic headaches. This means that the alignment, integrity and the functionality of the neck can play a role in headaches. As a Chiropractor I have helped a tremendous number of women overcome their headaches through corrective Chiropractic care.

There is somewhere is the vicinity of 38 million migraine sufferers in the U.S. alone! 18% of women compared to 6% of men suffer with regular migraines (migraine.com). In my 10 + years as a Chiropractor I can say I have definitely seen more women that suffer from regular migraines and headaches. In at least 75% of those cases I have seen a DRASTIC improvement in the frequency and intensity of the headaches and/or migraines with just Chiropractic care. In some rare cases there was a minimum improvement in migraine sufferers but there were also other complicating factors involved, like spinal surgeries of the neck.

So how can the neck cause headaches and migraines? Misalignments in the vertebra of the upper cervical, spine, and even down into the 3rd cervical vertebra can irritate the upper cervical nerves, the trigeminal nerve, and even the pons portion of the brainstem. This will cause referred pain in the head. These misalignments of the vertebra in the neck that irritate the nerves are called Subluxations in Chiropractic.

Essentially, when vertebral subluxations cause nerve irritation, it means that they are causing nervous system interference. This means that the brain isn’t able to fully communicate with the body via the spinal cord and nerves as efficiently. Neurological interference will set off symptoms. In this case, they will set off headaches. (Figure 1)

The other mechanism behind cervicogenic headaches has to do with the overall posture and alignment of the neck. We call this a Global Subluxation of the neck. An example of a global subluxation of the spine is when somebody has scoliosis. In this case, it is when somebody has a complete loss of a curve in the neck combined with forward head posture. (Figure 2)

The neck is designed to be curved and that curve should fall somewhere between a 34-45 degree curve. The head should be in a neutral position on top of the shoulders. When the head and neck are in optimal alignment there is less tension and mechanical stress on the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and spinal cord. When somebody loses the normal curve in the neck it causes increased tension and stress on the soft tissue including the spinal cord. It actually causes a tethering of the spinal cord. This kind of stress can certainly set off headaches and migraines.

Now when you combine a loss of curve in the neck with forward head posture it becomes even worse. According to Kapandji, Physiology of Joints, Vol. 3, for every inch that your head moves forward of the shoulders it increases the weight of the head on the spine by an additional 10 lbs, this is going to cause even more stress on the soft tissue structures of the neck. This is NO BUENO! I would say that 95% of the people that walk into my office have a complete loss of curve in their neck combined with forward head posture. This is usually do to hours spent at a computer typing away, starring down at the cell phone texting away, and accidents that would cause whiplash (a rear-end collision, a fall to the ground landing on the head).

Here is a video explaining more detail on forward head posture and a loss of curve in the neck.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Various Types of Headaches

Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits for individuals suffering from different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cervicogenic headaches. Here, we explore how chiropractic treatment can help manage and alleviate these debilitating conditions.

1. Tension Headaches: Tension headaches, characterized by a band-like sensation of pressure around the head, are often related to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and upper back. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve this muscle tension and alleviate headache pain. By addressing misalignments in the spine and promoting relaxation, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for tension headaches.
2. Migraine Headaches: Migraine headaches are known for their severe throbbing pain, often occurring on one side of the head and accompanied by symptoms like nausea. Research has shown that chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Chiropractors can work with patients to identify triggers for migraines and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at managing headaches and preventing future occurrences.
3. Cervicogenic Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck and upper back. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the underlying causes of these headaches, such as misalignments in the spine. By providing chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation, chiropractors can help relieve tension in the neck, ultimately reducing the frequency and severity of cervicogenic headaches.
4. Cluster Headaches: Although less common, cluster headaches are known for their intensity and debilitating effects. Chiropractic intervention can be a valuable component of a comprehensive care plan for cluster headache sufferers. Chiropractors can explore the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments in managing the pain and other symptoms associated with cluster headaches.
5. Sinus Headaches: While sinus headaches are primarily caused by sinus infections or congestion, chiropractic care may help reduce inflammation in the neck and upper back, which can contribute to headache pain. Although not a primary treatment for sinus headaches, chiropractic care can complement other approaches to pain management.
6. Preventative Care: Chiropractic care may also help prevent future headaches by addressing the root causes of your condition. By working closely with a chiropractor, you can discover how chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches and identify lifestyle changes that may contribute to improved outcomes.
7. Personalized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors tailor their care plans to each patient’s unique needs and conditions. This personalized approach ensures that the treatment aligns with the specific causes of your headaches, offering a more effective and targeted solution.

Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for various types of headaches. Research and guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache symptoms have shown that chiropractic care can improve outcomes and help manage headaches.

By addressing misalignments, reducing muscle tension, and providing neurological care, chiropractors can play a crucial role in relieving headache pain and improving the overall quality of life for headache sufferers. If you experience frequent headaches, consider consulting a chiropractor to discover how chiropractic care can benefit you.

Here is a video explaining more detail on forward head posture and a loss of curve in the neck.

CHIROPRACTIC WORKS – Why You Should See A Chiropractor?

As taken from (The American Chiropractor, May 2006 Vol 28, #5 pages 32 + 34)

“Support for the use of Chiropractic care in treating headaches can be found in A Systematic Review of Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) for Migraine, and Migraine-Like Headache, by Tuchin, Bonello, and Pollard. Their research included 14 studies, with a total of 1848 patients, ranging in ages from 12-78 years. Accepted were three (3) clinical trials for migraines. A total of five (5) studies were for migrain-like headaches. The conclusion was, “There is moderate evidence of support that SMT gives significant improvement in migraines and migraine-like headaches.”

Chiropractic works! In our office we have a very good approach for taking care of patients with cervicogenic headaches. We do a complete and thorough consultation, examination; and a complete set of digital x-rays. Included with the x-rays is a set of motion x-rays of the cervical spine to see what bones are not moving in their normal physiological Range of Motion. Essentially, all the segments of the neck should move when a person flexes their head forward or extends their head back. We measure this! From the x-rays we can determine the proper course of corrective Chiropractic Care. No two people are ever treated the same because everybody has a different body and a different history!

Here are what someone headache sufferers have said about our office!

Evelyn

– “I initially called to make and appointment for my 15 year old daughter who suffered with daily headaches, monthly migraines, she didn’t know a day without pain. Within days of her first adjustment she was feeling relief!! The improvement was amazing, to see her feel relief was more than I imagined in such a short time. I was living with daily headaches, so much neck tension and a very sore lower back. I just figured it was how life was going to be! I started my care about a week after she did. I cant even remember a time when I didn’t take something like Tylenol/Motrin almost daily!! Both my daughter and I are feeing so much better and getting better with every adjustment. Dr J (along with Candice and Deanna) has been an absolute blessing to my entire family! So happy to have him as a guide on our heading journey!!”

Shyanne

– “Dr. Jay is fantastic! When I came in I was miserable everyday and taking 800-1600 mg of ibuprofen everyday for headaches and neck pain paired with mid back pain from previous domestic abuse. My pain never went away with norcos or Ibuprofen and my gabapentin that helps with nerve damage. The pain was so bad I was sick everyday and the headaches never went away. I had no energy and was so lethargic and just plain depressed. I also wasn’t sleeping more than 2 hours a day because the pain kept me awake. Dr. Jay worked with me on the price because I’m a single mom and was never going to be able to afford to come in an make this happen, but he helped me make it happen and with in 1 month (12 adjustments) I feel 98% better then where I was the day I walked into his office. My first visit was on a Friday and that weekend I got the best sleep and noticed each day I did not have the pain I was waking with everyday. As my adjustments went along my mood has improved and very rarely I wake in pain and it’s usually from sleeping on my side and not my back. The customer service has been fantastic. Dr. Jay and Cassie are so friendly and they give so much positive vibes! I always look forward to my adjustments and will soon be having him regularly adjust my 3 year old to keep her in optimal health growing up. 😄 if I had to make this coice over again I’d do it in a heartbeat!”

Hopefully this gives YOU the reader some encouragement. You don’t have to suffer with headaches the rest of your life, there is always hope! Chiropractic care might be the best answer for you! If you know of anyone suffering from headaches, please send them this article, it could be the difference that makes the difference. On our home page there is an offer to come in for a $47 initial exam and x-rays! Feel free to check it out!

Here are what someone headache sufferers have said about our office!