HEADACHES
Headache is one of the most common reasons a person consults any doctor. It is also, according to a recent survey by a leading consumer magazine, the single most common condition for which people are dissatisfied with the treatment they have received.
There are many different types of headaches, and the most common are tension (muscle contraction) headaches and migraines. Regardless of the type of headache, effective treatment starts with the identification of factors that are unique to each patient and a clear diagnosis.
At the Spurlock Spine Centre, the approach we take to the treatment of headache sufferers involves attempting to detect those specific factors that are involved in the development of each individual’s problem. We then employ a strategy that is personalized to each patient and is designed to correct these factors to the fullest extent possible. This may involve treatment at the Spurlock Spine Centre alone, or may involve treatment in conjunction with another health professional such as a neurologist or pain specialist.
What are the Most Common Headache Types?
Most commonly, a person suffering from headaches will have either the tension headache or migraine headache types. However, the distinction between these headache types is not as simple as it would seem. In fact, some experts believe that there is no real distinction between these headache types but, rather, they all share a common underlying cause that has several different contributing factors.
| Tension Headache Tension headaches are sometimes referred to as muscle contraction headaches. They are the most common type of headaches and can be felt anywhere in the head, but the temples and forehead are the most frequent areas. They are also associated with tightness in the head or scalp. They are not typically associated with other symptoms such as nausea, numbness or visual sensations but can be worsened by emotional stress. Migraine Headache Migraine headaches are usually more severe than tension headaches and generally occur in attacks that can last from a few hours to a few days. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and sound, numbness or coldness in the hands or tremor. In some cases, the patient experiences an aura - a period of 10-30 minutes preceding the headache during which the person experiences symptoms such as jagged lines or flashing lights before the eyes, strange odors, difficulty speaking or numbness. |
There are other, less common, types of headache that must be considered for a proper diagnosis of the headache disorder to be made. Some of the more important ones are:
| Cluster headaches occur in "clusters" which can occur for days, weeks or months at a time, then disappear for up to a year or more. Temporal arteritis headaches are caused by inflammation of an artery and occcur on the side of the head. Sinus headaches are caused by sinus infection. In addition, more potentially serious causes of pain in the head must be taken into consideration. |
How Can Headaches Relate to the Neck?
As was stated above, there are several different contributing factors that lead to the development of tension headache, migraine, or the mixed types of headaches that fall somewhere in between these types. One of these is cervical spine dysfunction. This can consist of joint dysfunction, in which the joints of the neck lose their proper mobility, muscle dysfunction, in which the muscles of the neck become either excessively tense or excessively limp or instability, in which the ability of the nervous system to properly regulate these joints and muscles becomes disturbed. Most commonly, a combination of these occurs, and the result is pain. This pain can be perceived in the neck or referred pain can develop, causing the pain to be perceived in the head.
How Can Referred Pain From the Neck Cause Headache?
The area in the brain to which the nerves that sense pain in the head send their signals is the same area to which the nerves that sense pain in the neck send their signals. Because of this, the brain is not always able to localize exactly from where the pain is arising. This, coupled with the other factors that contribute to tension and migraine headache, causes the pain to primarily be perceived in the head.
What Are the Other Factors that Contribute to Headache?
In addition to dysfunction in the neck, most headache conditions involve a disturbance in the control of the chemicals and blood vessels of the brain. The delicate balance that exists in the brain can be altered, leading to conditions that are favorable for the development of headache. If these conditions are combined with the presence of dysfunction in the neck, the likelihood of developing headache becomes greatly increased.
Are There Any Other Components That Are Significant in the Development of Headache?
There are certain secondary factors that can contribute to the headache, or can be triggers for a headache episode. These include stress, emotional upset or certain foods like chocolate or red wine. Also, hormones, such as those related to the menstrual cycle, can play a role.
How is Headache Treated?
Dr Spurlock is trained in the differential diagnosis and treatment of headache. The treatment at the Centre is primarily aimed at the neck component, as well as the secondary factors mentioned above, and may include any or all of the following:
| Spinal Manipulation Spinal Manipulation consists of gently moving the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted and may involve the application of a short, quick movement in that direction. In many cases, a fast movement is not used, but rather, a slow mobilizing movement is used. "Cracking" type manipulation is often useful but, in most cases, non-"cracking" techniques are just as effective. If you are nervous about "cracking" techniques, please speak to your treating chiropractic physician. Muscle Relaxation / Stimulation Muscle Relaxation or Stimulation Procedures consist of gentle stretches to the involved muscle that has excessive tension, or repeated contractions of the muscle that is limp. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to the pain of trigger points. Stabilization / Sensorimotor Exercises Stabilization or Sensorimotor Exercises are designed to train your central nervous system to improve stability so your neck is maximally protected during routine activities. Workplace and Lifestyle Advice Workplace and Lifestyle Advice is designed to address factors in your diet and work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that lead to headaches. |
The treatment plan developed for your specific problem may include one or more of these approaches, and may involve others as well. This may include referral to another health professional, such as a neurologist, if it is deemed appropriate.