Back Clinic Head Pain and Trauma Chiropractic Rehabilitation Team. A head injury is a trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. The injury may be only a minor bump on the skull or a serious brain injury. Head injuries are a common reason for emergency room visits. A large number of people who suffer head injuries are children. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for over 1 in 6 injury-related hospital admissions each year.
Head injury can be either closed or open (penetrating).
A closed head injury means a hard blow to the head was received from striking an object, but the object did not break the skull.
An open/penetrating head injury means a hit with an object that broke the skull and exposed and or entered the brain. This is likely to happen when moving at high speed, i.e. going through the windshield during an auto accident. Also from a gunshot to the head.
Head Pain and Trauma injuries include:
Some head injuries cause changes in brain function. This is called a traumatic brain injury.
Concussion, where the brain is shaken, is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe.
Scalp wounds.
Skull fractures.
Head injuries may cause bleeding:
Inside the brain tissue
Inside the layers that surround the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, extradural hematoma)
Causes:
Common causes of head injury include:
Accidents at home, work, outdoors, or while playing sports
Falls
Physical assault
Traffic accidents
Most of these injuries are minor because the skull protects the brain. Some injuries are severe enough to require a stay in the hospital.
Symptoms:
Head injuries may cause bleeding in the brain tissue and the layers that surround the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma).
Symptoms of a head injury can occur right away or can develop slowly over several hours or days. If the skull is not fractured, the brain can still hit the inside of the skull and become bruised. Also, the head may look fine, but problems could result from bleeding or swelling inside. The spinal cord is also likely to be injured in any serious trauma.For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
Having headaches can affect anyone at any time, and various issues (both underlying and non-underlying) can play a part in the development. Factors like stress, allergies, traumatic events, or anxiety can trigger the causes of headaches to develop and can affect a person’s day-to-day schedule. Headaches can come in various forms and be the cause or symptom of other conditions. Many complain about headaches affecting their forehead, where the occipitofrontalis muscle resides, and explain to their doctors about a dull ache affecting them. To that point, the cause of the headache could affect them differently. Today’s article examines the occipitofrontalis muscle, how myofascial trigger pain affects this muscle, and ways to manage myofascial trigger pain associated with headaches. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in musculoskeletal treatments to aid individuals suffering from myofascial trigger pain associated with headache symptoms affecting the occipitofrontalis muscle. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure to find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez DC observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Occipitofrontalis Muscle?
Have you been experiencing unexplainable headaches that seem to affect your daily life? Do you feel muscle tension in your head or neck? Or do certain areas in your upper body seem tender to the touch? Many individuals suffer from headaches, and it could be due to myofascial trigger pain associated with the occipitofrontalis muscle. The occipitofrontalis muscle surprisingly plays an important part in the facial muscles. The occipitofrontalis muscle is the only muscle that can raise eyebrows, convey emotions, and provide non-verbal communication as part of its functionality to the head. The occipitofrontalis muscle has two different sections in the head that play different roles. Studies reveal that the occipital and frontal bellies have other actions but work together despite being connected to the galea aponeurotica. However, like all muscles in different body sections, various factors can affect the muscles to become tender and form multiple symptoms associated with pain.
How Does Myofascial Trigger Pain Affect The Occipitofrontalis?
When various factors begin to affect the occipitofrontalis muscle, it could potentially be at risk of developing myofascial trigger pain associated with headaches in the muscle. Studies reveal that myofascial trigger pain is a musculoskeletal disorder associated with muscle pain and tenderness that can be identified as latent or active. When the occipitofrontalis is affected by myofascial pain, it could potentially lead to tension-type headaches as a symptom. Studies reveal that headaches, especially tension headaches, are associated with trigger points in the head and neck muscles. Myofascial pain occurs when the muscles become overused and sensitive to the touch. The affected muscle then develops small nodules along the muscle fibers and can cause referred pain in a different body section. To that point, the affected muscle becomes hypersensitive due to an excess of nociceptive inputs from the peripheral nervous system, thus eliciting referred pain or muscle contraction. When this happens to the individual, they experience constant, throbbing pain in their forehead and try to find relief to diminish the pain.
Myofascial Exercises For Headaches-Video
Have you been feeling tension and pain in your neck or head? Do headaches seem to affect your daily activities? Does the slightest pressure seem to cause you pain in your muscles? Experiencing these symptoms may be a sign that you may have myofascial trigger pain associated with the head and neck that is causing headache-like pain along the occipitofrontalis muscle. The video above demonstrates various stretching exercises for headaches and migraines associated with myofascial trigger pain. Myofascial trigger pain associated with headaches can cause overlapping issues in the upper extremities of the body since myofascial trigger pain can mimic other conditions that affect the head and neck muscles. Known as referred pain, the underlying cause of pain affects a different body part than the actual location. Luckily, there are ways to manage myofascial trigger pain associated with headaches along the occipitofrontalis muscle.
How To Manage Myofascial Trigger Pain Associated With Headaches
There are many ways to manage headache symptoms associated with myofascial trigger pain along the occipitofrontalis muscle. Many people will take over-the-counter medicine to dull the pain, while others use a cold/hot pack to be placed on their forehead to relieve the tension caused by the headache. Those experiencing trigger point pain along the affected muscles that are not responding to the at-home treatments will go to a specialist that uses various techniques to manage myofascial trigger pain associated with headaches. Studies reveal that manual trigger point therapies for the head and neck may reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of various headaches affecting the occipitofrontalis muscle. Other treatments that help manage myofascial pain associated with the occipitofrontal muscle include:
Chiropractic care: Spinal misalignment or spinal subluxation in the cervical spine can potentially lead to the development of myofascial trigger pain associated with muscle pain
Acupuncture: Dry needles are placed on the trigger points associated with the affected muscle to relieve pain
Hot/cold compress: Ice or heat packs are placed on the affected muscle to relieve tension.
Massage therapy: Deep tissue massage can relieve the inflamed area, reduce pain, and prevent trigger points from reemerging.
Utilizing these treatments can help prevent myofascial pain and manage headache symptoms associated with the muscle.
Conclusion
Headaches can affect anyone, and various issues can affect their development. Whether it is an underlying or non-underlying cause, multiple problems can trigger a headache to form and cause a dull ache in the affected muscle. One of the most common forms of headaches occurs in the occipitofrontalis muscle located in the forehead and near the base of the skull. The occipitofrontalis muscle is the only muscle that controls eyebrow movement, conveys emotions, and provides non-verbal communication as part of head functionality. However, like all muscles, the occipitofrontalis can become affected and potentially risk developing myofascial trigger pain. When this happens, the occipitofrontalis could develop tension-type headaches associated with myofascial trigger pain. Luckily available treatments are there to manage myofascial trigger pain associated with the occipitofrontalis muscle and alleviate headaches from the affected muscle.
References
Bérzin, F. “OCCIPITOFRONTALIS Muscle: Functional Analysis Revealed by Electromyography.” Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1989, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2689156/.
Chatchawan, Uraiwan, et al. “Characteristics and Distributions of Myofascial Trigger Points in Individuals with Chronic Tension-Type Headaches.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6451952/.
Falsiroli Maistrello, Luca, et al. “Effectiveness of Trigger Point Manual Treatment on the Frequency, Intensity, and Duration of Attacks in Primary Headaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Frontiers in Neurology, Frontiers Media S.A., 24 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5928320/.
Moraska, Albert F, et al. “Responsiveness of Myofascial Trigger Points to Single and Multiple Trigger Point Release Massages: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561477/.
Pessino, Kenneth, et al. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Frontalis Muscle – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 31 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557752/.
The jaw has a primary function in the head as it allows the muscles to move up and down, helps chew food, and allows the host to speak. Each of the muscles and organs inside the jaw has its functions that will enable the head to function correctly. The mouth, part of the gut system, allows air to travel into the lungs so the body can breathe and consume food to be swallowed and digested to be turned into energy for the rest of the body to move around. The mouth, the tongue, and the teeth have a casual relationship as the teeth can grind the food into small pieces to be digested, while the tongue can taste the food. When issues begin to cause an effect on the jaw, it can lead to symptoms that can, over time, be painful to the surrounding muscles, organs, and even nerve endings along the jaw’s skeletal structure. Today’s article looks at the medial pterygoid muscle, how trigger point pain affects this muscle, and ways to manage trigger point pain on the medial pterygoid muscle. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in musculoskeletal treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger point pain associated with the medial pterygoid muscle along the inside of the jaw. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure to find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez DC observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Medial Pterygoid Muscle?
Do you have any problems or issues chewing your food? What about throat soreness from swallowing something hard? Or have you noticed stiffness along your jawline? Individuals experiencing these symptoms might be dealing with pain along the medial pterygoid muscle in their jaw. The medial pterygoid muscle is part of the mastication muscles, which includes the temporalis, lateral pterygoid, and masseter muscles of the jaw. The medial pterygoid is a rectangular-shaped muscle that lies inside the lateral pterygoid muscle. The medial pterygoid muscle works together with the masseter muscle as a sling to help stabilize the mandible or the lower jaw. In contrast, the medial pterygoid nerves provide sensory-motor functions to make the lower jaw move and promote chewing action, thus sending nerve signals to travel through the trigeminal nerve and send the information to the brain. Just like any of the different muscles in the body, the medial pterygoid muscle may succumb to injuries that can affect the sensory-motor function of the jaw while triggering various issues to cause more pain to the jaw and the body.
How Does Trigger Point Pain Affect The Medial Pterygoid Muscle?
When various issues begin to affect the muscles of the body, it can be something simple like repetitive motions that causes the muscles to be overused or injuries that can cause the muscles to become inflamed and, if not treated, can become sensitive to the touch. To that point, tiny knots known as trigger points are formed along the taut muscle fibers that can make the muscle become sensitive and overlap various issues that can cause pain in different body locations. Since the medial pterygoid and the masseter muscle work together, studies reveal that muscle hypertrophy may associate with the masseter, medial pterygoid, or both and can potentially be involved with the risk of dental problems or other issues that are affecting the oral-facial region. Trigger points along the medial pterygoid muscle may be challenging to diagnose due to the referred pain that affects different body areas while mimicking various pain symptoms that become the causes. An example would be a person experiencing ear pain associated with jaw pain. Now how would these two correlate when the person is dealing with ear pain? Since trigger points can mimic other symptoms, the jaw muscles (which include the medial pterygoid) become aggravated and overused, causing referred pain to the teeth overlapping with ear pain.
The Anatomy Of The Medial Pterygoid Muscle-Video
Have you been experiencing unexplainable ear pain? What about your jaws feeling stiff when chewing on something? Or have you been dealing with tooth pain in the back of your jaw? Many of these issues are correlated to referred pain symptoms associated with the medial pterygoid. The video above gives an overview look of the anatomy of the medial pterygoid muscle, its functions, and how it helps the body. When the medial pterygoid is affected by trigger point pain, it may potentially cause various conditions to affect the oral facial region or the surrounding areas of the head. Studies reveal that myofascial pain is often characterized by a trigger point in the taut skeletal muscle band or the fascia. When trigger point pain affects the mastication muscles, it may lead to other comorbidities like muscle tension, poor posture, headaches, and jaw disorders like TMJ(temporomandibular joint) pain. Fortunately, there are ways to manage trigger point pain on the medial pterygoid muscle.
Ways To Manage Trigger Point Pain On The Medial Pterygoid Muscle
Trigger point pain often affects the muscles in certain body areas, causing pain that affects the region of the body, thus making the muscle sensitive. Many individuals who suffer from trigger point pain associated with the medial pterygoid muscle would often complain of toothaches or headaches affecting their daily activities to their primary doctors. After an examination, many doctors would refer their patients to musculoskeletal specialists to see what issue is causing the patient pain in their bodies. Since trigger point pain is a bit complex, musculoskeletal specialists like chiropractors or physical therapists will examine trigger points associated with pain. Many musculoskeletal specialists utilize various techniques to release trigger points along the affected muscle to manage the pain and its related symptoms. At the same time, many musculoskeletal specialists incorporate other multiple treatments to help manage trigger point pain on the medial pterygoid muscle. These various treatments allow the muscles to relax and avoid a relapse in future injuries affecting the muscle.
Conclusion
The primary function of the jaw in the head is to allow the muscles to move up and down, enabling the host to speak and help the mouth chew food. The medial pterygoid is one of the four main mastication muscles that help support the jaw, which is rectangular shaped and helps stabilize the lower jaw. This muscle allows the sensory-motor function of the lower jaw and promotes chewing action. When traumatic or ordinary factors cause the medial pterygoid muscles to become overused can developed trigger points along the muscle fibers and initiate pain associated with toothaches and headaches. Trigger points along the medial pterygoid muscle can make the affected area sensitive and challenging to pinpoint. Fortunately, musculoskeletal specialists like chiropractors or physical specialists can help alleviate the pain while managing trigger points on the affected muscle through various techniques. When people begin to incorporate treatments to manage pain in their bodies, it can allow them to be mindful and avoid future injuries.
Jain, Prachi, and Manu Rathee. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Medial (Internal) Pterygoid Nerve.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547712/.
Jain, Prachi, and Manu Rathee. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Medial Pterygoid Muscle.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546588/.
Sabeh, Abrar Majed, et al. “Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Its Relation to Trigger Points, Facial Form, Muscular Hypertrophy, Deflection, Joint Loading, Body Mass Index, Age and Educational Status.” Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 24 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7791579/.
Every year an estimated 3.8 million people in the United States sustain mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI) or concussions. Many of these injuries are due to sports-related activities, work related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and military operations. It is also estimated that as many as 50% of MTBIs are never reported because the patient does not seek medical attention. This makes it difficult to get a substantial number on how many there are, but it is a prevalent condition.
The Brain and Skull
A patient does not have to hit their head to sustain an MTBI. It can be caused by whiplash even though the person never hit their head. The reason for this lies in the construction of the brain and skull.
The brain is very soft; some experts compare the texture to that of soft butter. The skull is designed to protect the brain, and it is tough. If you run your hand over your head, you may feel some lumps and bumps, it may not feel entirely even, but the surface will be smooth.
The same cannot be said for the inside of the skull. There are boney ridges on the inside that are quite sharp. The design is intended to keep the brain in place.
When the head is hit or is jolted hard enough it caused the brain to shift inside of the skull, coming into contact with those boney ridges � sometimes forcefully. This can cause damage and the result in a brain injury. The harder the jolt, the more serious the injury may be.
Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Part of the problem with MTBI is that the symptoms may not show up immediately. They could emerge weeks or even months after the incident making it unlikely that the symptoms will be tracked back and connected to it.
Often, MTBI is called a �silent epidemic� because the symptoms that it causes are usually not visible and may not be immediately connected to the injury. Depression, anxiety, angry outbursts, and impaired memory are more likely to be considered a psychiatric issue instead of a neurological one. The symptoms can be debilitating just the same.
Evaluation and diagnosis of an MTBI
Chiropractors routinely treat patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries. When they are presented with a patient that they know has sustained a head injury, or if they suspect a brain injury based on specific symptoms, they use the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) to determine the severity. The SCAT2 helps the chiropractor create evaluate the physical signs, symptoms, sideline assessment using Maddocks score, Glasgow Coma Scale, coordination, balance, and cognitive.
As they evaluate the patient, they look for specific markers that indicate the patient is experiencing worsening neurological symptoms. These include:
Loss of consciousness
Vomiting
Headaches get�worse
Increased confusion
Weakness on one side or in one leg or arm
Blurred vision
Dilated pupils
Balance or coordination problems
Chiropractic Treatment for MTBI
A head injury usually involves a neck injury as well. The chiropractor may use a variety of techniques to treat the patient, including spinal manipulation, massage, and bracing. The patient will also be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medication, aspirin, alcohol, and sleep aids, using acetaminophen for pain as needed. If the patient needs to see another doctor or specialist, the chiropractor will refer them.
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.
If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceutical concoctions designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.
In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country that have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical as well as other types of pain is chiropractic.
This form of alternative care has been used successfully for over a hundred years and has become a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. In fact, there are an increasing number of insurance providers that are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.
When a person goes to school to learn about chiropractic, they begin by studying the human anatomy in great detail, just like other medical professionals. However, in addition to looking at how all of the parts work together physically, their 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.
On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of previous health issues will be completed, including x-rays (if needed) to determine what types of nerve blockage may be occurring. They will listen to the patient attentively and make an assessment, including determining what types of treatment will best suit the patient.
In the case of headaches, the patient usually has misalignment (subluxations) in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are unduly tight in the neck, shoulders and nearby areas. Pressure on the nerves may cause sharp stabbing pains or there may be a continual dull throb in the region.
The chiropractor will assess the area and then move forward with treatment known as a chiropractic adjustment in order to relieve the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.
However, chiropractors don�t just focus on relieving symptoms but rather correcting the problem; therefore, additional treatments will follow to help correct the cause. In addition, the chiropractor will take the time to educate you on the importance of chiropractic, especially if you�ve never been to one before.
If you need further help with your headaches or are ready to see how beneficial chiropractic care can be to your overall health, please give us a call so that you can schedule an appointment with our Doctor of Chiropractic.
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Migraine headaches, a clinical study involving 11 migraine patients and NUCCA care was recently conducted. Let’s take a look at the results and reveal the benefits of NUCCA care and how the study was conducted.
Method Of Study: Migraine Headaches
The 11 patients in the study had never experienced upper cervical chiropractic care before. All were subject to having migraine headaches and were required to have at least 10-26 days with a headache for the previous four months. Additionally, at least eight of those headache days per month required a 4 out of 10 or higher for pain. While many candidates had either a concussion, auto accident or both, candidates who experienced trauma in the past year were excluded.
NUCCA professionals used various kinds of testing to evaluate the patients. Supine Leg Check Screening tested patients� for visible signs of one leg being shorter, which may indicate atlas misalignment. Gravity stress analyzers were used, as well as, calipers for detecting asymmetry in the pelvis were used. A typical NUCCA radiograph series also includes three x-rays a lateral cervical film (side view), a nasium film (back view), and a vertex film (top view) to identify specific misalignments.
According to these diagnostic methods, the practitioner then prepares an alignment specifically designed for the patient involving the patient’s position, the stance of the practitioner, and the suitable force vector for atlas correction. Patients were given between one and five corrections.
Outcome: Migraine Patients
Headache days per month decreased for patients on average. 14.5 headache days per month was the norm. After one month of NUCCA treatment, patients experienced 11.4 headache days per month. At the conclusion of the two-month study, patients were down to 8.7 headache days per month.
Quality of life measurements in three categories also improved radically within the course of two months:
Restrictive enhanced from 38.4 to 73.5
Emotional improved from 53.3 to 81.2
Physical improved from 54.1 to 86.8
MIDAS score (which measures migraine headaches in the form of level of disability caused) improved from a mean of 46.7 to only 14.6.
While further studies are necessary to offer a quantifiable method of documenting the physiological changes which take place because of the corrections, the results speak for themselves as to the advantages of NUCCA for migraine headaches, especially those with a history of neck or head trauma.
Chiropractic & Headaches
Eliminate Headaches And Migraines Juice Recipe
Headaches and migraines. The only thing you want is for it to vanish. Here is a juice that immediately eliminates headaches and migraines! Try this juice recipe out, in addition to getting an adjustment!
Headaches and migraines are often the result of stress, poor diet, poor posture, emotional tension or exposure to environmental toxins. People reach for over-the-counter medications to help ease the pain, but there are much safer and natural ways of getting rid of headaches.
This juice is loaded with minerals such as magnesium and calcium, two crucial components in helping prevent and alleviate headaches. A juice as opposed to these foods in solid form will help nutrients reach the bloodstream faster, alleviating headaches and migraines in a jiffy!
5 stalks celery
1 cucumber
1 cup parsley
2 granny smith apples
3-4 cups leafy greens (ex. spinach, arugula)
Two inches ginger root
1 lime
METHOD:
Blend all ingredients in a juicer, blender, food processor and enjoy immediately to preserve freshness and antioxidants!
Title: The Efficacy of Chiropractic Adjustments in the care of Migraine Headache with patients presenting with cervical disc bulge.
Abstract: Objective: To explore the efficacy of chiropractic adjustments, and non-surgical spinal decompression in the treatment of cervical spine disc conditions presenting as neck pain, migraine headache, dizziness and visual disturbances. Diagnostic studies included physical examination, computer aided range of motion, orthopedic and neurological examinations, plain film x-ray studies, brain MRI, cervical spine MRI examinations.� Treatments included specific spinal adjustments, low level laser therapy and spinal decompression.� The patient�s outcome proved excellent in reduction of neck pain, headache severity and frequency as well as elimination of dizziness and visual disturbances.
Introduction: On 11/19/13 a 37-year-old female presented for examination and treatment of neck pain, migraine headaches with associated dizziness and visual disturbances.� The patient denies and recent injuries.
Presenting Concerns of Research Study
The patient reports neck pain in the cervical occipital region as a 4 on the Verbal Analog Scale of 0 meaning the complete absence of pain and 10 being unbearable pain.� The duration of the current symptom picture is 2 years and 1 month.� The patient further reports episodic migraine headaches starting at the upper cervical region and progressing into her occipital area.� These episodes are accompanied by dizziness and visual disturbances described as kaleidoscope vision.� At the time of the initial consultation these episodes were occurring 2-3 times per week.� The patient reports being afraid to drive her car due to concerns about headache onset.� The patient reports past consultations with her medical doctor who diagnosed her with vertigo and previous chiropractic care without results.� The records from both consultations were reviewed personally.
Clinical Findings:��The patient presents with complaints of neck pain, headaches, dizziness and visual disturbances of 2 years duration.� The patient is a 37-year-old female who is a mother of 2.� The ages are 16 and 3.
Her vital signs are:
Height – 5 ft. 0 inches
Weight – 130 lbs.
Handedness – R
Blood Pressure – L – 107 systolic and 78 diastolic
Radial Pulse – 75 BPM
The patient�s Review of Systems and Family History were unremarkable.
Palpation/Spasm/Tissue changes:� The patient was evaluated by palpation and observation with the following findings: Bilateral cervical spine spasms rated at +2 in the cervical-occipital region.� Orthopedic testing was unremarkable.� Range of motion examination revealed mildly decreased left lateral flexion, moderately decreased flexion, right lateral flexion and extension. No pain was produced during range of motion examination.
Neurological Examination: Biceps, Triceps and Brachioradialis reflexes were rated at a +2 bilaterally.� Sensory examination revealed normal sensation bilaterally for dermatomes C-5 through T1.� Motor/Muscle testing revealed 5 out of 5 bilaterally for Deltoids, Biceps, and Triceps, Forearm and Intrinsic Hand muscles.
Radiographic findings: reversal of the cervical curve with altered C5/C6 disc space is noted. (Fig. 1, (A) (B) A small osteophyte is observed on the posterior inferior body of C5.� Flexion malposition of C5 is also noted.� (Fig. 1, (B).
Fig. 1,� (A), (B) show loss of the cervical lordosis, flexion malposition of C5, partial collapse of C5/6 anterior disc space.
Fig. 1. (B) shows upon magnification a small posterior-inferior osteophyte.
Fig. 2,� (A), (B) shows in T2 MRI images (A) is Sagittal and (B) is Axial a
C5/6 central disc herniation contacting the ventral cord.
Diagnostic Focus and Assessment:�Diagnoses considered are: Brain Tumor, Cervical Disc Displacement, and Cervical-cranial syndrome.� A brain MRI was ordered and produced normal findings.� Diagnostic reasoning included the C5/C6 disc/osteophyte complex and the encroachment into the ventral aspect of the central canal and contact with the cervical spinal cord. (1)�Peter�J. Tuchin, GradDipChiro, DipOHS, Henry Pollard, GradDipChiro, GradDipAppSc, Rod Bonillo, DC, DO.� Received 29 June 1999.��Another consideration was the treatment schedule because the patient lives 60 miles west of the clinic and 2 treatments was the ordered therapeutic schedule.
Therapeutic Focus and Assessment:��Assessment of the cervical spine MRI both sagittal and axial views of the C5/C6 and C6/C7 segmental levels revealed adequate space between the cervical cord and posterior vertebral elements.� It was determined that conservative management of this patient was appropriate.� Therapeutic focus was reducing the pressure of the C5/C6 disc/osteophyte complex on the ventral cord.� Promoting healing of damaged nerve tissue and restoring more favorable position and motion of vertebral segments C5/C6.� The modalities used to treat this patient were:
1.�����Specific Spinal Adjustments: utilizing a Sigma Precision Adjusting Instrument to introduce a percussive force of 20 lbs. with a maximum of impact number of 50.
2.�����Spinal Decompression: A Hill Spinal Decompression table was utilized with 8 lbs. of pull maximum and a cycle of 5 minute at maximum and 5 minutes at reduction to 50% over a 25 minutes treatment session.� The patient completed 18 sessions in total.
3.�����Low Level Laser Therapy was used to promote healing on a cellular level using a Dynatron Solaris system.� Treatments consisted of 30 seconds of exposure to an 860-nanometer beam at C5/C6 and C6/C7 levels.
Follow-up and Outcomes
The patient�s compliance to the treatment schedule as rated at 9 of 10.� Completion of the recommended 18 treatments required 1 week longer than anticipated.� For personal reasons the patient missed 2 treatment sessions but made them up by adding a week to the estimated completion date. Upon discharge examination the patient reports her neck pain on the Verbal Analog Scale a 2 of 10 with 0 being the complete absence of pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. She further reported her headaches as a 1 on the Verbal Analog Scale.� Both symptoms were constant since 10/01/11.� This is duration of 25 months prior to her first visit. Her symptoms of dizziness and visual disturbances have been absent since 12/13/13.
Discussion:�Headaches and Migraine Headaches are a big health problem. It has been estimated that 47% of the adult population have headache at least once within last year in general.��More than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine. American employers lose more than $13 billion each year as a result of 113 million lost workdays due to migraine. (2)�Schwartz BS1, Stewart WF, Lipton RB. J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Apr; 39(4): 320-7.
This case report is very limited because it represents the experience and clinical findings for just 1 patient. However a study of the references included with this report as well as reports by care providers as well as testimonials from patients indicates that more study should be invested in the relationship of the cervical spine, its structures and biomechanics during the diagnostic workup on headache and migraine patients.
Informed Consent:�The patient provided a signed informed consent.
Competing Interests:�There are no competing interests writing of this case report.
De-Identification:�All the patient�s related data has been removed from this case report.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
References:
1. Schwartz BS1, Stewart WF, Lipton RB.
J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Apr; 39(4): 320-7.
Lost workdays and decreased work effectiveness associated with headache in the workplace.
2. Vernon, H., Humphreys, K., & Hagino, C. (2007). Chronic mechanical neck�pain in adults treated by manual therapy: A systematic review of change scores in randomized clinical trials,�Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 30(3), 215-227.
3.�Peter J. Tuchin, GradDipChiro, DipOHS, Henry Pollard, GradDipChiro, GradDipAppSc, Rod Bonillo, DC, DO.� Received 29 June 1999
A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine?
4.Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP, William J. Owens DC, DAAMLP Chronic Neck Pain and Chiropractic. A Comparative Study with Massage Therapy.
5.�D�Antoni AV, Croft AC. Prevalence of Herniated Intervertebral Discs of the Cervical Spine in Asymptomatic Subjects Using MRI Scans: A Qualitative Systemic Review. Journal of Whiplash & Related Disorders 2006; 5(1):5-13.
6.��Murphy, D. R., Hurwitz, E. L., & McGovern, E. E. (2009).�A nonsurgical approach to the management of patients with lumbar radiculopathy secondary to herniated disk: A prospective observational cohort study with follow-up.�Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(9), 723-733.
Additional Topics: Chiropractic Helps Patients Avoid Back Surgery
Back pain is a common symptom which affects or will affect a majority of the population at least once throughout their lifetime. While most back pain cases may resolve on their own, some instances of the pain and discomfort can be attributed to more serious spinal conditions. Fortunately, a variety of treatment options are available for patients before considering spinal surgical interventions. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which helps carefully restore the original health of the spine, reducing or eliminating spinal misalignment which may be causing back pain.
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The 11 patients in the study had never experienced upper cervical chiropractic care before. All were subject to having migraine headaches and were required to have at least 10-26 days with a headache for the previous four months. Additionally, at least eight of those headache days per month required a 4 out of 10 or higher for pain. While many candidates had either a concussion, auto accident or both, candidates who experienced trauma in the past year were excluded.
Headaches and migraines. The only thing you want is for it to vanish. Here is a juice that immediately eliminates headaches and migraines! Try this juice recipe out, in addition to getting an adjustment!
