Headache, also known as cephalalgia, is the symptom of pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It occurs in migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches. Frequent headaches can affect relationships and employment. There is also an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches.
Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions whether serious or not. Causes of headaches may include fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, side effects of medications, viral infections, common colds, head injury, and dental or sinus issues.
Another common cause of headaches includes misalignment of the cervical spine. In particular, misalignments of the upper cervical spine can put pressure on the region of the brain stem and the cervical blood vessels affecting blood and cerebral spinal fluid flow, both to the head and from the head.
Treatment for headaches has traditionally included some form of pain management, usually the administration of pain medication.
Our approach is drug free and corrective of any misalignment of the upper cervical portion of the spine causing the headache. This results in a long lasting resolution of headache pain that may have plagued the patient for years.
The positive effects of our corrective procedure on headaches can be attributed to:
- Improved circulation of the brain including improved cerebral spinal fluid circulation. This results in improved oxygenation and an improved detoxification of the brain. Once the upper cervical spine has been corrected, it no longer interferes with the flow of blood and CSF to and from the brain.
- By realigning the head and neck, a reduction in muscular tension of the neck and shoulders occurs bringing relief especially of muscular tension headaches.
- Reduction of irriation to the brain stem, which passes through the upper cervical region of the spine. The nucleus of the cranial nerves are found at the level of the upper cervical spine and misalignment at this level can constrict the nerves including nucleus of the Vagus nerve and the Trigeminal nerve.
Many patients experience immediate relief after treatment.