Headaches

• Cervicogenic 

• Abnormal joint function of  the neck

• Muscle-tension- neck, upper back muscular spasms

• Post-traumatic- following head/neck trauma, i.e. whiplash

• Drug-induced- from analgesic overuse

• Migraine headaches - hormone induced

• Cluster type headaches

These include the following;

Cervicogenic headache refers to a type of headache that originates from the tissue structures in the cervical spine or neck region and feels like a dull ache. This causes constant, strong, yet dull headache pain. The most common location of the pain is around the orbital (eye) region and upper neck area but may also include other areas of the face, head, and neck. 

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This type of headache will typically last for one to three days and reoccur ever one to four weeks until properly treated. It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing of the ears, and sensitivity to light and sound – similar to migraines or severe types of headaches.

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Cervicogenic headaches are caused by irritation or injury to the structures of the upper neck region, resulting in local neck pain as well as referred pain to the temporal and facial regions. This is often precipitated or aggravated by head and neck movements and by applying deep pressure to the muscles of the upper cervical area.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, approximately representing 60% of all headaches. This is often caused by the sustained contraction of the muscles in the neck and head region.

The sustained muscle contraction is usually a result of a combination of the following:

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• Abnormal facet joint dysfunction

• Previous neck/upper back injury- not properly rehabilitated

• Poor posture

• Excessive emotional stress

• Anxiety or depression

• Prolonged sitting or driving

• Improper sleeping habits

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Tension building headaches are generally mild to moderate in intensity and can last from hours to days. There is a constant tight or pressure sensation, generally feeling like a tight band is wrapping around the head, causing debilitating pain. There will also be pain and tightness in the neck and shoulder area. Pain starts in the base of the skull or temporal regions of the head and spreads outwards to affect other areas of the head and neck.

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Chiropractors can successfully treat neck-related headaches with spinal manipulation. This is through utilizing neck pain chiropractic, spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises and stretches, soft tissue techniques such as trigger point work and massage, and by going through counseling about lifestyle modification and neck-related headaches. All these can significantly help in achieving great outcomes during the treatment process.