HEADACHES

What is it?

A variety of headaches are seen in the chiropractic profession. Three of the most common include vascular or migraine headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and muscle tension headaches. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and, at times, disturbed vision. Cervicogenic headaches originate from disorders of the neck, including the anatomical structures innervated by the cervical nerve roots. They are often precipitated by neck movement and sustained awkward head positioning. It is often accompanied by restricted cervical range of motion, neck, shoulder, or arm pain of a rather vague radicular or non-radicular nature. Muscle tension headaches appear to involve the tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles; they may radiate to the forehead.

Possible Causes

Joint Injury
Misalignment of Cervical Spine
Vasodilation/Vasoconstriction
Muscle Tension
Stress/Anxiety
Improper Biomechanics of the Neck
Sleep Deprivation

The Chiropractic Solution

Chiropractic care has become a popular alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of headaches. In addition to relieving the signs and symptoms of a headache, the doctors at Carlisle Chiropractic will work with the patient in preventing future occurrences. Conservative management of headaches reduces the frequency and intensity of such a debilitating condition, and in some cases eliminates them completely.

Chiropractic Treatment

The preferred mode of treatment is gentle cervical spine manipulation coupled with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, myofacial work, and physiotherapy. The goal of doctors at Carlisle Chiropractic is not only to address the headache when it is presenting, but to provide the thorough and appropriate treatment when the condition is in remission to prevent future episodes. Additionally, they will prescribe at home recommendations on what activities to limit/avoid, and how the patient can take an active role in preventing future incidences.