What causes Headaches?

Most people have experienced the throbbing or stabbing pain of a headache and because the head controls the rest of the body it is hard to ignore. There are several types of headaches and the exact cause can be complex.

Headaches are NOT normal.

Recurring headaches are a sign that something is wrong and should not be ignored. Aspirin, ibuprofen and other medications may temporarily mask the symptoms but they do nothing to correct the source of the problem.

As long as the problem remains the headaches will continue to come back.

Vertebrogenic Headaches are caused by problems with the cervical spine. These headaches may be felt in the back, sides and front of the head or in the front of the face or neck.

Chronic irritation of the nerve roots between the vertebrae can be caused by changes to the normal curvature of the cervical spine caused by trauma, degenerative arthritis or poor posture.

The onset of pain is often acute and may also cause muscle contractions in the neck that can often trigger tension headaches as well.

Pain is the body’s way of alerting us that something is wrong. It is unwise to ignore these signals and treat just the symptoms with pain drugs.

How can you solve headaches with upper cervical chiropractic techniques?

Upper cervical chiropractic is a specific type of chiropractic care that focuses on the upper part of the spine, specifically the neck. To address headaches an upper cervical chiropractor may use a variety of techniques, such as specific spinal adjustments and other manual therapies. The UC chiropractor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as changes to posture or the use of ergonomic equipment, to help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Can a chiropractor help with cervical headaches?

Cervical headaches are headaches that are caused by problems in the neck, such as muscle tension, misalignments of the vertebrae, or other issues. Many people believe that chiropractic care, a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal system, can be helpful for relieving cervical headaches.

How is upper cervical misalignment treated?

Upper cervical misalignment, also known as a subluxation, is a condition in which one or more of the vertebrae in the upper part of the spine (the neck) is out of alignment. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Treatment for upper cervical misalignment is a process of analysis, monitoring and correction when needed.  An upper cervical chiropractor will analyze the upper cervical spine through radiographic x-rays and make a very specific adjustment to correct the subluxation. There is NO popping, turning or twisting of the neck with this precise alignment of the subluxation.

In addition to chiropractic care, a person with upper cervical misalignment may also benefit from other types of treatment, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, or rehabilitation exercises AFTER the subluxation has been resolved. These treatments may help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further misalignments.

Can headaches be treated by chiropractor?

Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the alignment and function of the neuromusculoskeletal system, including the upper spine. Many have found relief and improvement with their headaches and migraines through upper cervical chiropractic care.

Call us to see if this gentle, non-invasive care can help you. (808) 772-8284

How can Dr. Timothy Luke, Upper Cervical Chiropractic Specialist, help? 

Dr. Timothy Luke is highly experienced in finding the causes of the headaches as well as relieving the immediate pain. He can determine whether the pain is due to a physical or structural problem and correct it.

In most cases a series of spinal adjustments to return misaligned vertebrae to their normal position can relieve pressure on the irritated nerve roots.

Relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes may be suggested to avoid future headaches.  Medical management of headaches usually involves some type of medication that can result in unwanted side effects or dependencies.

Ho’ola Chiropractic offers a natural and safe approach to relieving and preventing future headaches.