CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE & MIGRAINE PREVENTION
Headaches are very common, and there are many different types and causes; people often suffer
from more than one type.
Cervicogenic headache is defined as a pain localized to the neck and back of the head which may
project to regions on the head and/or face. This can be either on one or both sides. Typically, the
head pain is precipitated by neck movement, sustained awkward head positioning, or external
pressure over the upper neck or base of the skull on the symptomatic side.
Diagnosis of cervicogenic headaches is made primarily from the patient’s history and examination
findings, with there being a negative neurological exam.
Even more debilitating are migraines – moderate or severe headaches which can last for several days. They are usually one sided, pulsating, aggravated by routine physical activity, and are often associated with either nausea, vomiting, irritability, or visual disturbances.
Again, diagnosis of migraine headaches is made primarily from the patient’s history and examination findings, with there being a negative neurological exam. Chiropractic treatment can sometimes help with the prevention and management of migraine.
Your chiropractor is trained to diagnose the cause of your headache, and treat you accordingly, or refer you elsewhere if appropriate. Treatment involves specific adjustments, particularly to the neck and upper back, soft tissue massage and stretching. You may also be given an appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance plan to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
