Back Clinic Headaches & Treatment Team. The most common cause of headaches can relate to neck complications. From spending excessive time looking down at a laptop, desktop, iPad, and even from constant texting, an incorrect posture for extended periods of time can begin to place pressure on the neck and upper back, leading to problems that could cause headaches. The majority of these types of headaches occur due to tightness between the shoulder blades, which in turn causes the muscles on the top of the shoulders to tighten and radiating pain into the head.
If the source of the headaches is related to a complication of the cervical spine or other regions of the spine and muscles, chiropractic care, such as chiropractic adjustments, manual manipulation, and physical therapy, can be a good treatment option. Also, a chiropractor may often follow up chiropractic treatment with a series of exercises to improve posture and offer advice for future lifestyle improvements to avoid further complications.
The percentage of individuals that are affected by fatigue, headaches, and overall pain is continuously growing. For the most part, these symptoms can all be linked back to a hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are more common than individuals realize and can affect people of all ages. Originally, hormone testing was completed through a blood draw (serum testing). However, as science is improving, there are now better, more functional ways of testing.��
As more and more studies are done, it is becoming more clear that salivary testing is superior to serum (blood) testing for hormones. There are two forms in which hormones exist in the human body, free (5%) and protein-bound (95%). Due to the protein-bound hormones being bound, they become too large to pass through into the salivary glands. This meaning that they are not bio-available and can not be delivered to the receptors in the tissues of the body.� The unbound hormones, or free hormones, are the relevant hormones that are found in the saliva. Considering the fact that free hormones are not as abundant, the hormone levels found in saliva are significantly less than those found in serum. However, many patients who are treated with serum hormone results are often overdosed because of the lack of correlation between bio-availability.
Labrix by Doctor’s Data
Similar to the D.U.T.C.H�hormone testing previously discussed, this company Labrix offers a variety of hormone testing as well.
Neurotransmitters:
NeuroBasic: ideal for monitoring therapeutic interventions of neurotransmitter imbalances previously tested or when symptoms are indicating an imbalance. This test measures Serotonin, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, and Phenethylamine
Comprehensive Neurotransmitter: best when a comprehensive look at neurotransmitter secretion and metabolism of markers is needed. This test measures Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, and Phenethylamineand DOPAC, 3-MT, Normetanephrine, Metanephrine, 5-HIAA, Tryptamine, Tyrosine, Tyramine, and Taurine.
NeuroHormones:�
NeuroHormone Complete Plus:� provides insight on how the HPA axis function may be contributing to patients’ symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and pain. In addition, this test is ideal for those who are at risk for breast cancer, PCOS, or a strong family history of autoimmune disease.�This test is recommended for women only.� This test measures�Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine
NeuroHormone Complete: useful for patients (men or women) who are experiencing any type of mood disorder, addiction, fatigue, chronic illness, confusion, weight issues, low libido, PMS, or chronic pain. This test measures Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine.�
NeuroAdrenal: Included in this test is a full diurnal cortisol pattern, DHEA, and 6 primary neurotransmitters to help those with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic illness, and low libido. This test measures DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine
Salivary Hormone:�
Comprehensive Plus: provides an assessment of breast cancer risk. This test is a considerationfor women only who have an increased risk for developing breast cancer, other hormonally sensitive cancers, PCOS or a family history of autoimmune disease. This test measures estrone, estriol, and Estrogen Quotient.
Women’s Helth and breast Profile: includes two risk assessment ratios, the Estrogen Quotient and the Pg/E2 ratio
Comprehensive Hormone: �assessment of hormonal status and endocrine function and includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and four cortisols. This profile is useful with male and female patients because it looks at the full diurnal cortisol pattern; it is especially important in patients who are experiencing the full diurnal pattern ( weight gain, high blood sugar, elevated lipids, chronic fatigue)
Short Comprehensive: useful in men and women whose primary symptoms are related to sex hormone imbalances (elevated or depressed E2, P or T)
Basic Hormone: a basic evaluation of the sex hormones and a brief glimpse at the adrenal function with the AM cortisol level. Best for men who are experiencing decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss os stamina, decreased mental sharpness and metabolic syndrome. Best for women who are experiencing hot flashes, anxiety, night sweats, breast tenderness, irritability, forgetfulness, and acne.�
Comprehensive Adrenal Function: provides insight into the body�s stress response. This test measures sIgA
Adrenal Function: comprehensive view of adrenal function, DHEA, and cortisol levels. This is best for people who are fatigued, nervous, weak, crave sugar, have headaches, irritability, and depression
Diurnal Cortisol: Similar to the test above but for patients who do not need DHEA testing
Melatonin: Provides a snapshot of the sleep/wake cycle during a one day period
Salivary Hormone + CAR :
CAR: has the capability to test all the same markers as above but adds Cortisol Awakening Response “CAR” to all of them.�
For more information regarding testing and hormones tested, please visitlabrix.com��
LABRIX BASIC BOX CONTENTS:
Upon opening every box (no matter the labrix test) the patient will see a requisition form, a billable stamp, and a FedEx envelope. Under these two items, a styrofoam box (insulated cooler) with the imprint “doctorsdata.com” will be present. Once the patient lifts the lid off of the styrofoam box, they will see two more pieces of paper.� The first being a list of symptoms (patient survey) on a white sheet of paper that the patient is to fill out and place back in the styrofoam box and the second a small instruction manual.
Neurotransmitter Tests Breakdown
For the Neurotransmitter Tests, the patient is provided with the basic kit described above. The only sample type required for the neurotransmitter tests is urine.
The contents of the styrofoam box include a small plastic cup, a clear plastic bag consisting of a white tube, a dropper, an absorbent pad, and a Lab-Brix ice pack. The first step is to freeze the ice-pack and keep it frozen until ready to ship.�
In order for this test to have proper results, the patient should collect their sample with their first or second-morning urine upon waking. Then, select on the requisition form which urine ( first or second ) the sample was collected from. It is also important to note on the requisition form what time the patient woke and what time the sample was collected. The urine sample should be collected midstream. Patients will collect their sample in the plastic cup provided, not directly in the tube. Next, the patients will use the dropper provided to transfer 10 ml of the sample from the cup into the tube. Ensure the lid is screwed on tightly and gently rock the tube back and forth for 3-5 seconds to mix the urine with the preservative. The patients will then wrap the absorbent pad around the tube (not inside the tube), and place the sample tube back in the plastic bag. The bag is then to be placed in the freezer for 4-6 hours, and is to be kept frozen until ready to ship!�
Neurotransmitter + Hormone Tests Breakdown
The Neurotransmitter + Hormone analysis tests consist of urine and saliva samples. This basic test kit includes everything above. However, upon opening this styrofoam box the patient will find two plastic bags. The first being a plain plastic clear bag with a dropper, white test tube, and absorbent pad. The second plastic bag is a biohazard bag that has multiple colors on the outside and consists of 4 clear small straws, an absorbent pad, and 4 small saliva collection tubes of various colors.�
The urine sample is instructed to be taken the same way as the neurotransmitter test.
The patient should collect their sample with their first or second-morning urine upon waking. Then, select on the requisition form which urine ( first or second ) the sample was collected from. (Remember, the individual is� to note on the requisition form time they woke and what time the sample was collected). Patients will collect their sample mid-stream in the plastic cup provided, not directly in the tube. Next, use the dropper provided to transfer 10 ml of the sample from the cup into the tube. Be sure to check that the lid is screwed on tightly and gently rock the tube back and forth for 3-5 seconds to mix the urine with the preservative. The patients will then wrap the absorbent pad around the tube (not inside the tube), and place the sample tube back in the plastic bag. The bag is then to be placed in the freezer for 4-6 hours, and is to be kept frozen until ready to ship!��
The salivary collection has a few more steps considering it is 4 samples rather than one. The timing for the salivary testing is critical, so timers are encouraged. As the patient wakes up, a timer should be set for 30 minutes later. This is when the first salivary sample (the pink tube) is to be collected. Before this test, the patient should not eat, drink, brush or floss. The second collection (green tube) is to be taken right before lunch, around noon. The third (orange tube), is to be collected in the evening before dinner, and the final collection (blue tube) before bed at night.�
For all salivary collections, each tube needs to be 3/4 of the way full. The straws provided are the patient’s choice to be used. As soon as the tube is 3/4 of the way full, snap the saliva lid tightly, put into the bag in which it came, and freeze for 4-6 hours, until ready to ship. Patients are to record the date and times of the saliva collections on the bag and requisition form.�
Salivary Hormone
Considering the salivary hormone testing is done using 4 saliva samples, the instructions are the same as the saliva collection in the test mentioned above. However, to review them again,�the timing for the salivary testing is critical, so timers are highly encouraged.
As the patient wakes up, a timer should be set for 30 minutes later. This is when the first salivary sample (the pink tube) is to be collected. Before this test, the patient is not to eat, drink, brush or floss. For the second collection (green tube), it should be collected right before lunch, around noon. The third (orange tube), is to be obtained in the evening before dinner, and the final sample (blue tube) before bed at night.�
For all salivary collections, each tube needs to be 3/4 of the way full. The straws provided are to be used at the patient’s discretion. As soon as the tube is 3/4 of the way full, snap the saliva lid tightly, put into the bag in which it came, and freeze for 4-6 hours, until ready to ship. Patients are to record the date and times of the saliva collections on the bag and requisition form.�
Salivary Hormone + CAR Breakdown
Aside from the basic components, the styrofoam box includes 6 colored salvia collection tubes, 6 straws, and an absorbent pad. The tests that fall under this category require 6 samples throughout the day. It is important to remember to write down the time the samples were collected as well as the time when the patient first woke up. The first sample (yellow tube) is to be taken as soon as the patient is awake but has not gotten out of bed. In order to accomplish this properly, it is best the patient sets the tube next to their bed the night before. This makes it easy to collect first thing in the morning. It is very important that the patient sets an alarm for 30 minutes after they wake up ( second test, pink tube)and for 1 hour after they wake up (third test, lavender tube). These tests are all to be done prior to eating breakfast, brushing and flossing teeth. The fourth collection (green tube) is to be taken before lunch and the fifth (orange tube) before dinner. The sixth and final sample (blue tube) is to be collected at least one hour after dinner. Just as the other saliva samples mentioned above, these tubes are to be filled 3/4 of the way, tightly closed, placed back in the bag they came in and frozen for 4-6 hours, or until they are ready to ship.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TESTS:
Shipping should be done Monday-Friday as this will ensure the sample will be delivered to the lab on time. Make sure all paperwork is filled out properly and place contents back in the styrofoam box in the following order:�
sealed plastic bag with frozen specimen tubes
frozen ice pack�
requisition form, symptom sheet, and payment (if applicable)�
Next, place the lid back on the box and place the entire styrofoam box in the cardboard collection kit. Close the cardboard box and place it inside the FedEx shipping envelope provided. The patient will then write their name and address on the Billable Stamp and tear off the customer receipt for their records. Then, place on the FedEx envelope. The final step is to schedule a pick-up. In order to do this, the patient will call the FedEx toll-Free number at 1-800-463-3339 and select “schedule a pickup”. This MUST be a scheduled pick up from an address and NOT a dropbox.�
* It is important to note that patients should avoid eating avocados, eggplant, tomatoes, bananas, melons, pineapples, plums, nuts, nut butter, wine, cheese and chocolate 48 hours before and during the testing period as these could impact the results.
* Patients should keep in mind that strenuous exercise, alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco or any other product containing nicotine is to be avoided 24 hours before and during the collection period.
Labrix is a great company that allows patients a noninvasive way to have their hormone levels checked. Almost every patient who walks in the door can benefit from this test. I highly recommend this test because hormone levels can change based on age, PMS symptoms, fatigue, blood sugar issues, or stress! These results are accurate and have a decently quick turn around time. Gaining insight and taking control of your body is now easier than ever. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
*All information and photos/video content for this article are directly sourced from labrix. Please see labrix for more information and credit.
The effectiveness of chiropractic care for headaches has been proven by many research studies, which is good news for the 90% of Americans who suffer. Chiropractic is not only excellent for treating headaches, but is gentle, non-invasive, does not require medications, and is known for being free of side effects.
Chiropractic A Gentle, Effective Treatment
Headaches can range from mild to debilitating, and all the stages in between. Some people suffer from headaches only occasionally, while others are constantly dealing with headaches. Unfortunately, standard medical care can only do so much to treat headaches � and the treatments often come with side effects, such as those caused by pain medications.
Chiropractic takes a different approach than traditional Western medicine. Instead of treating the symptoms, chiropractic attempts to get to the source of the problem. Using non-invasive treatments, chiropractic works to help the body heal itself � which it can do surprisingly well when the conditions are right. Chiropractic strives to create these ideal conditions.
Headache Types
The two most common types of headaches most people suffer from include:
Tension
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. The pain of a tension headache can range from fairly mild to severe. Although some headache sufferers describe tension headaches as similar to having a painful band around their heads, the symptoms of tension headaches can vary significantly from individual to individual. Symptoms of tension headaches include:
Pain that is constant, not throbbing
A feeling of tightness in the temples, forehead, back of the head, side of head or combination of these
Neck pain and stiffness
Tension headaches, as the name indicates, are caused by tension in the body � often in the neck and upper back.
Migraines
Migraine headaches, while less common than tension headaches, are still a major issue for a large portion of Americans. It is estimated that approximately 13 percent of the population suffers from migraines.
Symptoms of migraines include:
Throbbing pain
Pain is often on one side of the head
Sensitivity to light
Nausea
Vomiting
Migraines are still not fully understood by the medical community. Research has shown what happens in the brain during migraines, and there are a number of triggers that are known, but research is ongoing to determine exactly what is happening and what causes these debilitating headaches.
How Chiropractic Helps
Research has shown that chiropractic can help headache sufferers, particularly those that suffer from tension headaches. There are a number of ways that chiropractic can improve symptoms, including:
Adjustments
The spine and the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that surround it are prone to injury and misalignment, which can cause significant tension, nerve pain, and associated health issues. Subluxations, also referred to as spinal misalignments, can put pressure on nerves and cause muscles to tighten and even spasm. All of this can lead to considerable tension. Tension can result in headaches.
Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, relieving pressure on nerves and helping muscles to relax.
Lifestyle
While chiropractic adjustments can do a great deal to help relieve tension headaches, migraines are often most effectively treated through lifestyle adjustments. Changes in diet and avoidance of known triggers are considered the best way to avoid migraines and minimize symptoms.
Chiropractic care includes lifestyle advice to help patients navigate their health issues effectively, including migraines.
We live in a stressful world. Life happens; it moves so fast. Pressures coming at you from all directions. Eventually, it catches up with you, and it�s your body that bears the brunt of it. Tension is your body�s way of telling you that it is under stress � probably too muchstress.
It�s hard to escape stress in today�s society so if you find that you are exhibiting physical symptoms of stress, it might be time to make some changes. If tension headaches are one of those symptoms, you�re in good company � about 90% of adults in the US have headaches. Many of them are tension headaches.
Symptoms of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are distinctive and can be very painful. The good news is, they are rarely an indication of a more serious condition � other than a stressful lifestyle. Some of the most common symptoms of tension headaches include:
Muscle tightness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders � may also be sore.
A Headache that originates at the back of the head and moves forward over the top and sides.
Sleep problems.
Squeezing pain or dull pressure in the head may also be described as a tight band or vice around the head.
Trouble eating.
Pain or pressure on both sides of the head equally.
Sometimes tension headache symptoms can occur prior to a migraine. In other words, a tension headache can turn into a migraine headache and may be considered a migraine trigger.
Causes of Tension Headaches
The actual cause of tension headaches is not known. Researchers have some idea of potential triggers, but recent advancements in medicine have debunked the belief that they are caused by the tightening of muscles in the scalp, shoulders, neck, and jaw. Scientific tests show that then a person has a tension headache, muscle tension does not increase. Newer theories indicate that a likelier cause involves changes neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) which includes serotonin. This is similar to a migraine.
While researchers do not know the exact levels of neurotransmitter fluctuations, they do have evidence that it activates the brain�s pain pathways. The tightness in the muscles could be part of the physiological changes that trigger the fluctuations in neurotransmitters, or the neurotransmitter fluctuations could cause muscle tightness.
Some common triggers of tension headaches include:
Stress
Clenching the jaw
Alcohol or drugs
Overexertion
Certain medications (even some medications for headaches which can cause rebound headaches)
Keeping your head in one position for too long (like using a cell phone or computer)
Depression
Fatigue
Grinding teeth
Neck or head injury (even old injuries)
Sleeping in a cold room or in an awkward position.
Arthritis
Anxiety
Hormonal changes
Sleeping on a worn-out mattress or the wrong pillow
Dehydration
Skipping meals
Eye strain
Certain foods can also be triggers for tension headaches. Additives and preservatives in prepared foods, even high sodium, can cause a headache.
Sinus and allergy problems can also accompany or lead to tension headaches.
Tension Headache Treatment
Over the counter and prescription medication may be recommended for tension headaches, but a good portion of the treatment involves lifestyle changes. Relaxation techniques, dietary changes, and exercise are all common treatments for tension headaches. Patients may be advised to stop smoking, limit alcohol consumption, or avoid certain foods.
Many patients find that keeping a headache journal is very useful in pinpointing triggers. There are several headache tracking apps that you can install on your smartphone and use them to get a better handle on your headaches.
Chiropractic for Tension Headaches
Chiropractic is a very effective, natural treatment for tension headaches. In addition to recommended lifestyle changes, the chiropractor may also make adjustments to realign the vertebrae and spine. The chiropractor may also use massage and other treatments that encourage relaxation of the muscles and relieve stress. He or she will use spinal manipulation of the neck and upper back to bring the body back into alignment, relieving not only the pain but the tension as well.
Headaches are a real pain (insert eye-roll here). Many individuals suffer from them, and there are a variety of causes, symptoms, and treatment options. For some, they are a rare occurrence, while others deal with them weekly or even daily. They can range from minor inconveniences to full-fledged life-changing afflictions.
The first step in treating headaches is to understand the type of headache you are experiencing. Some people think they have a migraine when in fact, they are suffering from a tension headache. While tension headaches are more common, it’s estimated by the Migraine Research Foundation that 1 in 4 U.S. Households include someone with a migraine.
Determining which headache is being dealt with takes a bit of research. Individuals suffering from headaches need to ask themselves these questions to determine if they are having a migraine or experiencing a tension headache.
When in life did the headaches begin? According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines start in adolescence or early adulthood. In contrast, tension headaches can start at any time in a person’s life. If an adult just began suffering from headaches, they are most likely tension headaches.
Where does it hurt? The location of the pain is a vital indicator of the type of headache. Migraines typically occur on one side of the head. Tension headaches affect both sides of the head and can produce a feeling of pressure in the forehead area.
What kind of pain is it? If it is a dull pain, a feeling of pressure, or tenderness around the scalp, it’s most likely a tension headache. If, on the other hand, the pain is throbbing or pulsing pain, it could be a migraine. Both headaches can offer up severe pain, just different types.
Are there any other symptoms?Migraines typically come with symptoms beyond head pain. Nausea, light and sound sensitivity, bright flashing or sparkling lights, pins and needle sensations down one or both arms, or dizziness are common. Individuals who don’t experience any of these symptoms are most likely dealing with a tension headache.
Can you function? While painful and frustrating, many people with a tension headache can still perform their jobs, drive, read, and deal with daily life. A migraine is a different story. Lying in a dark, quiet room with a sleep mask on until the headache passes is how most people handle migraines. If the headache is life-disrupting, it could very well be a migraine.
Do regular painkillers work? Tension headaches can often be relieved by over-the-counter pain medications. Migraines don’t budge with these treatments. Once a migraine is in full force, the sufferer must ride it out. If a headache reacts well to a couple of non-prescription painkillers, it’s most likely a tension headache.
Most individuals will, unfortunately, deal with a headache at one point in their lives. It’s important to note that tension headaches are much more common than migraines, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a headache being a migraine. The answers to the above questions give insight into the type of headache occurring and how best to handle the treatment proactively. No matter the type of headache, if the pain is severe, or begins after a head injury, seek medical treatment immediately.
45 million Americans suffer headaches on a regular basis. There are the traditional methods used to treat them, which include taking over the counter medications or taking pharmaceutical concoctions to eliminate pain and reduce swelling. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that address the core of the problem.
Alternative Treatment
In recent years, people throughout the country are seeking alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, especially headaches. One treatment that is promising for physical and other types of pain is chiropractic treatment.
This form of alternative care has been used for over a hundred years and is a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. Insurance providers are growing and are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.
Chiropractic school begins by studying human anatomy in great detail, like other medical professionals. In addition to looking at how the body works together physically, training primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments in the spine known as subluxations.
Theses subluxations compress nerve tissue that affects organ function, soft tissue like muscle, ligaments and tendons and can eventually manifest as other health problems if not treated.
Once the nerves are disrupted pain will result. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits.
�How Does Chiropractic Help People Who Suffer From Headaches
On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of health history will be completed. These include x-rays (if they are needed), in order to determine the type of nerve blockage that may be occurring. They will listen to the patient, make an assessment, and determine what type/s of treatment is best.
With headaches, there is usually a misalignment (subluxation) in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are tight in the neck, shoulders and surrounding area. Pressure on the nerves can cause sharp stabbing pain or a continual throbbing pain in the region.
The chiropractor will assess the area and then begin treatment, known as a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment is what relieves the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.
Chiropractors don�t just focus on relieving symptoms but getting to the root cause and correcting the problem. That is why additional treatments/adjustments are often required, as one adjustment is usually not enough. A chiropractor will take time to educate patients on treatment, therapy exercises, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and regular adjustments.
If you’re tired and no longer want to suffer from headaches, see how beneficial chiropractic care can be, then please give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Injury Medical Clinic:�Chiropractic Care Migraines & Headaches
My treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez has been helping me by simply making me less tired. I’m not experiencing as many headaches. The headaches are going down dramatically and my back feels much better. I would highly recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez. He’s very friendly, his staff is very friendly and everybody goes well beyond what they can do to help you. –Shane Scott
Neck pain can develop due to a variety of reasons, and it can vary tremendously from mild to severe. Most of the population has suffered from this well-known nagging health issue; however, did you know that headaches can sometimes be caused by neck pain? While these headaches are commonly referred to as cervicogenic headaches, other types, such as cluster headaches and migraines, have also been determined to be caused by neck pain.
Therefore, it’s fundamental to seek a proper diagnosis if you’ve experienced headaches or neck pain to determine the root cause of your symptoms and decide which treatment option will be best for your specific health issue. Healthcare professionals will assess your upper back, or the cervical spine, including your neck, the base of the skull and cranium, and all the surrounding muscles and nerves to find the source of your symptoms. Before seeking help from a doctor, it’s essential to understand how neck pain can cause headaches. Below, we will discuss the anatomy of the cervical spine or neck and demonstrate how neck pain is connected to headaches.
How Neck Pain Causes Headaches
The muscles between the shoulder blades, the upper portion of the shoulders, and those surrounding the neck, or cervical spine, may all cause neck pain if they become too tight or stiff. This can generally occur due to trauma or damage from an injury, as well as in consequence of bad posture or poor sitting, lifting, or work habits. The tight muscles will make your neck joints feel stiff or compressed, and it can even radiate pain toward your shoulders. Over time, the balance of the neck muscles changes, and those specific muscles that support the neck become weak. They can ultimately begin to make the head feel heavy, increasing the risk of experiencing neck pain as well as headaches.
The trigeminal nerve is the primary sensory nerve that carries messages from the face to your brain. Furthermore, the roots of the upper three cervical spinal nerves, found at C1, C2, and C3, share a pain nucleus, which routes pain signals to the brain and the trigeminal nerve. Because of the shared nerve tracts, pain is misunderstood and thus “felt” by the brain as being located in the head. Fortunately, many healthcare professionals are experienced in assessing and correcting muscular imbalances, which may lead to neck pain and headaches. Moreover, they can help to relieve muscle tension, enhance muscle length and joint mobility, and retrain correct posture.
What Causes Neck Pain and Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches, otherwise known as “neck headaches,” are caused by painful neck joints, tendons, or other structures surrounding the neck, or cervical spine, which may refer to pain to the bottom of the skull, to your face or head. Researchers believe that neck headaches, or cervicogenic headaches, account for approximately 20 percent of all headaches diagnosed clinically. Cervicogenic headaches and neck pain are closely associated, although other types of headaches can also cause neck pain.
This type of head pain generally starts because of an injury, stiffness, or lack of proper functioning of the joints found at the top of your neck, as well as tight neck muscles or swollen nerves, which could trigger pain signals that the brain then interprets as neck pain. The usual cause of neck headaches is dysfunction in the upper three neck joints, or 0/C1, C1/C2, C2/C3, including added tension in the sub-occipital muscles. Other causes for cervicogenic headaches and neck pain can include:
Cranial tension or trauma
TMJ (JAW) tension or altered bite
Stress
Migraine headaches
Eye strain
The Link Between Migraines and Neck Pain
Neck pain and migraines also have an intricate connection with each other. While in some cases, severe trauma, damage, or injury to the neck can lead to severe headaches like migraines; neck pain might result from a migraine headache in different situations. However, it’s never a good idea to assume that one results from the other. Seeking treatment for neck pain when the reason for your concern is a migraine often will not lead to effective pain management or pain relief. The best thing you can do if you’re experiencing neck pain and headaches is to seek immediate medical attention from specialized healthcare professional to determine your pain’s cause and the symptoms’ root cause.
Unfortunately, neck pain, as well as a variety of headaches, are commonly misdiagnosed or even sometimes go undiagnosed for an extended period. One of the top reasons neck pain may be so challenging to treat primarily because it takes a long time for people to take this health issue seriously and seek a proper diagnosis. When a patient seeks a diagnosis for neck pain, it may already have been a persistent problem. Waiting an extended amount of time to take care of your neck pain, especially after an injury, may lead to acute pain and even make the symptoms more difficult to control, turning them into chronic pain. Also, the most frequent reasons people seek treatment for neck pain, and headaches include the following:
Chronic migraines and headaches
Restricted neck function, including difficulties moving the head
Soreness in the neck, upper back, and shoulders
Stabbing pain and other symptoms, particularly in the neck
Pain radiating from the neck and shoulders to the fingertips
Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, individuals with neck pain and headaches can also experience additional symptoms, including nausea, diminished eyesight, difficulty concentrating, severe fatigue, and even difficulty sleeping. While there are circumstances in which the cause of your headaches or neck pain may be apparent, such as being in a recent automobile accident or suffering from sport-related trauma, damage, or injuries, in several instances, the cause may not be quite as obvious.
Because neck pain and headaches can also develop as a result of bad posture or even nutritional problems, it’s fundamental to find the origin of the pain to increase the success of treatment, in addition to enabling you to prevent the health issue from happening again in the future. It’s common for healthcare professionals to devote their time working with you to ascertain what could have caused the pain in the first place.
A Health Issue You Can’t Ignore
Neck pain is typically not a problem that should be ignored. You may think that you’re only experiencing minor neck discomfort and that it’s irrelevant to any other health issues you may be having. Still, you can’t know for sure more frequently than not until you receive a proper diagnosis for your symptoms. Patients seeking immediate medical attention and treatment for their neck-centered problems are surprised to learn that some of the other health issues they may be experiencing may be correlated, such as neck pain and headaches. Thus, even if you think you can “live with” not being able to turn your neck completely, other health issues can develop, and these problems might be more challenging to deal with.
There are circumstances in which a pinched nerve in the neck is the main reason for chronic tension headaches, where a previous sports injury that was not adequately addressed before is now the cause of the individual’s limited neck mobility and in which a bruised vertebrae at the base of the neck induces throbbing sensations throughout the spine, which radiates through the shoulders into the arms, hands, and fingers. You might also blame your chronic migraines on a hectic schedule and stressful conditions. However, it might be a consequence of poor posture and the hours you spend hunched over a computer screen. Untreated neck pain might lead to problems you never expect, such as balance problems or trouble gripping objects. This is because all the neural roots located on the upper ligaments of the cervical spine or neck are connected to other parts of the human body, from your biceps to each of your tiny fingers.
Working with a healthcare professional to relieve the root cause of your neck pain and headaches may significantly enhance your quality of life. It may be able to eliminate other symptoms from turning into a significant problems. While another health issue or nutritional deficiency generally causes the most common causes of chronic migraines, you might also be amazed to learn how often the outcome may be resolved with concentrated exercises and stretches recommended by a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor. Additionally, you may understand that the health issues you’ve been having often develop from compressed, pinched, irritated, or inflamed nerves in your upper cervical nerves.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Although it may be difficult to distinguish the various types of headaches, neck pain is generally considered to be a common symptom associated with head pain. Cervicogenic headaches are very similar to migraines, however, the primary difference between these two types of head pain is that a migraine occurs in the brain while a cervicogenic headache occurs in the base of the skull or in the cervical spine, or neck. Furthermore, some headaches may be caused by stress, tiredness, eyestrain and/or trauma or injury along the complex structures of the cervical spine, or neck. If you are experiencing neck pain and headaches, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional in order to determine the true cause of your symptoms.
Treatment for Neck Pain and Headaches
Foremost, a healthcare professional must determine the cause of an individual’s symptoms through the use of appropriate diagnostic tools as well as to make sure they have the utmost success in relieving the headache and neck pain without prolonging the duration of the symptoms and extra cost of incorrect therapy. Once an individual’s source of neck pain and headaches has been diagnosed, the kind of treatment a patient receives should depend on the type of headache. As a rule of thumb, treatment starts once the diagnosis has been made. A healthcare professional will work with you to create a treatment plan appropriate for your specific health issues. You’ll be taken through procedures that help build flexibility and strength in your sessions.
Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing various musculoskeletal and nervous system injuries and conditions. A chiropractic doctor or chiropractor can help treat neck pain and headache symptoms by carefully correcting any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, in the cervical spine or neck, through spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among other therapeutic techniques. Chiropractors and physical therapists may also utilize a combination of gentle Muscle Energy Techniques, muscle building, joint slides, Cranio-sacral therapy, and specific posture and muscle re-education to lower the strain being placed on the structures surrounding the cervical spine. The staff will also help you understand how to better position yourself during your daily life to prevent relapses, like ergonomic and posture tips. Contact a healthcare professional for them to be able to assist you immediately.
In cases where alternative treatment options have been utilized without any results or sometimes used together with other complementary treatment approaches, pain drugs and medications may be contemplated, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-seizure agents such as gabapentin, tricyclic anti-depressants, or migraine prescriptions. If pain medications prove ineffective, injections may be contemplated, including peripheral nerve blocks, atlantoaxial joint blocks administered at C1-C2, or aspect joint blocks administered in C2-C3. Surgical interventions may also be other treatment options. However, healthcare professionals suggest attempting all other treatment options before considering surgery. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once. The spine is a complex structure of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, eventually lead to back pain symptoms. Sports or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain; however, sometimes, the simplest movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Many headaches that people classify as migraines are actually not migraines at all. Two of the most common headaches confused with migraines are sinus headaches and occipital neuralgia.
The condition can be debilitating but there are treatments, including chiropractic, that are very effective. Understanding occipital neuralgia can help patients better manage it so they can minimize the pain and symptoms of the condition.
What Is Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition that affects the occipital nerves which run from the top portion of the spinal cord, through the scalp, transmitting messages to and from the brain. There are two greater occipital nerves, one on each side of the head, from between the vertebrae located in the upper neck through the muscles that are located at the base of the skull and back of the head.
While they do not cover the areas on or near the ears or over the face, they can extend over the scalp as far as the forehead. When those nerves are injured or become inflamed, occipital neuralgia is the result. A person with this condition may experience pain at the base of their skull or the back of their head.
What Are The Symptoms Of Occipital Neuralgia?
Pain is the prevalent symptom of occipital neuralgia. It often mimics the pain of migraine headaches or cluster headaches and is described as throbbing, burning, and aching.
There may also be intermittent shooting or shocking pain. Typically, the pain begins at the base of the skull but may radiate along the side of the scalp or in the back of the head. Other symptoms include:
Pain is experienced on one side (but sometimes both sides)
Pain behind the eye of the side that is affected
Tenderness in the scalp
Sensitivity to light
Pain triggered by neck movement
What Causes Occipital Neuralgia?
Irritation or pressure to the occipital nerves are what actually cause the pain. This may be due to tight muscles in the neck that squeeze or trap the nerves, injury, or inflammation.
However, much of the time doctors are unable to determine the cause. There are several medical conditions linked to occipital neuralgia:
Tight neck muscles
Diabetes
Trauma or injury to the back of the head
Gout
Tension in the neck muscles
Whiplash
Inflammation of the blood vessels in and around the neck
Infection
Neck tumors
Cervical disc disease
Osteoarthritis
What Are The Treatments For Occipital Neuralgia?
Occipital neuralgia treatment focuses on pain relief. It often begins with conservative treatments that include:
In more severe cases the patient may be prescribed a stronger anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or in some cases an anticonvulsant medication.
If these therapies are not effective or do not bring about the desired level of pain relief, then doctors may recommend percutaneous nerve blocks and steroids. Sometimes surgery is recommended in cases where the pain is severe, chronic, and is unresponsive to more conservative treatments.
Chiropractic For Occipital Neuralgia
Chiropractic was once considered an �alternative� treatment for occipital neuralgia, but now it is often a regular part of recommended patient care. The advantage of chiropractic over medication or surgery is that chiropractic does not come with the side effects of drugs or the risks of surgery.
Another advantage is that chiropractic seeks to correct the root of the problem, not just manage the pain like other treatments.
Chiropractic treatment for occipital neuralgia may include lift adjustments, heat, massage, and traction. This will bring the body back into proper alignment and take the pressure off of the nerves as it loosens the neck muscles.
The patient stands a better chance of staying pain free when taking this treatment route.
Injury Medical Clinic: Doctor Of Chiropractic Near Me
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
