Patients with headaches also commonly complain of neck pain. This relationship is the rule, not the exception and therefore, treatment for headaches must include treatment of the neck to achieve optimum results. The term, “cervicogenic headaches” has been an accepted term because of the intimate connection between the neck and head for many years. There are many anatomical reasons why neck problems result in headaches. Some of these include:
• The first three nerves exiting the spine in the upper neck go directly into the head. They penetrate the muscles at the top of the neck and therefore, any excess pressure on these nerves by the muscles or spinal joints will result in irritation and subsequent pain.
• The fifth cranial nerve, innervates the sensation to the face and is located in the upper cervical region, which innervates sensation to the back of the head up to the top. Therefore, problems located in the upper neck will often result in pain radiating up from the base of the skull/upper neck over the top of the skull to the eyes and /or face.
When patients seek treatment for their headaches, a thorough examination of the neck, upper back, and cranial nerves is routinely performed for the above reasons. It is common to find upper cervical movement and vertebral alignment problems present in patients complaining of headaches. Tender points located between the shoulder blades, along the upper shoulders and neck are commonly found. Pain often radiates from the tender point over the top of the skull when pressure is applied in the upper neck/base of the skull area.
Tenderness on the sides of the head, in the temples, over the eyes, and near the jaw joint are also common. Traction or pulling the head to stretch the neck is often quite pain relieving and this is often performed as part of the chiropractic visit, or at home with a traction unit.
Chiropractic adjustments applied to the fixated or misaligned vertebra in the upper neck often brings very satisfying relief to the headache sufferer.
Since neck pain and headaches are one of the most common complaints presenting to the chiropractic physician, please ask for more information about this if you or a loved one is suffering. It’s one of most significant acts of kindness you can give to those you care about.
DeSesa Chiropractic is located at 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Suite 65 in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-294-0429 and visit www.scvhealthcare.com .