Diagnosis:
First determination will be whether your headache is secondary or primary in nature. Secondary headaches are
those caused by another physical condition—and these are the ones that people worry about with a severe headache.
Fortunately, these account for less than 10% of all headaches. These rare headaches are often associated with
accompanying symptoms such as numbness, confusion, slurred speech or other severe and unusual symptoms. These are
cases where immediate urgent care is required. For the remaining 90% of Primary headaches, chiropractic care is
often very effective. Primary headaches include "tension-type" headaches, Migraines, and cervicogenic headaches.
Tension-Type Headaches:
This is the most common type of headache. It is caused by muscular contraction in the muscles in the neck and
base of the skull. Pain is usually mild to moderate, and can last for a few hours to an entire day. Pain is
usually felt at the back of the neck and scalp. These headaches can often be the result of stress and strain,
and can become chronic if stressors are not removed.
Migraine:
This is distinguished by severe, disabling pain that can often have the symptoms of nausea, vomiting,
lightheadedness, sensitivity to light and other visual symptoms along with it. Migraine headaches can also occur
with an "aura" including visual disturbances such as blind spots, or flashing lights. Disruptions in smell, taste
and touch may also be experienced.
Cervicogenic Headaches:
These headaches are caused by misalignment or abnormal joint positioning of the cervical spine (neck) vertebrae.
When these vertebrae are out of alignment they cause the strain to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and disc of
the cervical spine. The word "cervicogenic" means originating in the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms of cervicogenic
headache can mimic both tension and migraine headaches.
How Are Primary Headaches Treated?
Once it is determined which type of headache you suffer from, treatment can begin. Spinal manipulation to
improve spinal alignment can be a very effective treatment for all of the above listed types of headaches.
Restoration of proper spinal alignment relieves tired, irritated nerves, and often returns the nervous system and
surrounding tissues to a place of calmness and healing, thereby reducing pain. It is also important to look at
other sources that contribute to headaches. Diet, poor sleeping habits, poor posture and lack of proper or normal
exercise may also contribute to headache, and often need evaluation as well.
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