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Archive for the 'Headaches' Category

Managing Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are classified as a primary headache disorder. Migraines are three times more common among women, especially in their premenopausal years. While migraines are still not fully understood (meaning they are likely underdiagnosed and undertreated), the available data show they are the most debilitating type of headache and rank seventh among health conditions with [..]

The Relationship Between Migraines and the Neck

Migraine is a neurovascular brain disorder that affects about 15% of the population and is the number one cause of disability in adults under the age of 50.  Neck pain has been estimated to be twelve times more likely to occur in migraine patients than in healthy subjects.  Similarly, migraineurs with neck pain report more [..]

Neck Disorders and Their Connection to Migraines

It’s estimated that about 38 million American adults suffer from migraines and nine-in-ten report that to some degree, migraines affect their ability to carry out their normal social, leisure, work, and everyday activities. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for migraines as the condition is not well understood and management tends to focus on lifestyle [..]

Headaches and a Traffic Light Prognosis System

The 2022 Global Burden of Disease study listed headaches as one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide, noting that more than half of adults actively suffer from headaches and nearly 5% of adults report headaches on more than 15 days per month. Because headaches come in many forms (at least 300 distinct types [..]

Loss of Cervical Lordosis and Its Connection to Headaches

According to a 2015 study, 85.7% of headache patients also experience neck pain, a percentage about 50% greater than the non-headache population. Additionally, several studies have shown that treatment to address musculoskeletal issues in the neck can reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of several types of headaches, including migraines. One of the most important [..]

The Hamstring and Tension-Type Headache Connection

Patients with tension-type headaches (TTH) often experience neck pain and stiffness, which may be a contributing factor in their present headaches. Thus, it’s not uncommon for a doctor of chiropractic to use manual therapies and provide home exercise instruction focused on improving neck function in the effort to reduce headache frequency and intensity. It may [..]

Is it a Sinus Headache or Something Else?

The sinuses are cavities in the skull that rest just behind the face, which help humidify the air we breathe and may even enhance the human voice. It’s common for patients with a headache in this area to refer to it as a sinus headache; however, the lay term “sinus headache” is somewhat controversial because [..]

Cervicogenic Headache Treatment Strategies

Cervicogenic headache is defined as a headache caused by a cervical spine disorder. This type of headache is estimated to account for up to 20% of headache cases. The primary features of cervicogenic headache usually include unilateral head pain (one side only), limited neck range of motion, and are triggered by various awkward or sustained [..]

Headaches, the Neck, and Chiropractic Care

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term used to describe non-mainstream healthcare approaches—which includes chiropractic care—that are used in conjunction with or in place of conventional medicine. Because the usual treatment approach for headaches often involves medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and acetaminophen—which can cause side effects can affect the stomach, liver, and/or [..]

Manual Therapy for Cervicogenic Headaches

By some estimates, up to 20% of headaches are caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its components (bone, disk, and soft tissue) usually accompanied by neck pain. It’s very common for patients with a cervicogenic headache to seek and receive manual therapies—like spinal manipulation and mobilization—from chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation is characterized [..]