Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term used to describe non-mainstream healthcare approaches. This includes chiropractic care which is used in conjunction with or in place of conventional medicine. The usual treatment approach for headaches often involves medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. These cause side effects that can affect the stomach, liver, and/or kidneys with prolonged use. Nearly 50% of adults with headaches have used some form of CAM.
Headache Recommendations
Researchers from McMaster University in Ontario reviewed clinical practice guidelines for either migraine or tension-type headaches. They found recommendations for dietary supplements, oxygen therapy, herbal medicine, electrotherapy, acupuncture, behavioral therapy, manual therapy (chiropractic), homeopathy, and Chinese medicine referenced in the guidelines. Researchers noted that approximately 25% of American medical students, residents and clinicians receive CAM training and don’t mention CAM options to their headache patients.
For patients whose headaches originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine, data shows that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option. In one study, patients received either no treatment, sham treatment, or cervical spinal manipulation for 17 months. The results showed that patients who received manipulative therapy experienced better outcomes with respect to headache frequency, pain, and disability. Any negative side effects were few, mild, and transient. The authors concluded that spinal manipulative therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with cervicogenic headaches.
Seeking Chiropractic Help
Interestingly, patients with migraines and other forms of headache often exhibit musculoskeletal abnormalities in the neck. In the cervical muscles, or trigger points, when addressed lead to a reduction in headache severity and frequency. This suggests a few possibilities. Cervical dysfunction may play a role in the headache process for non-cervicogenic headaches. Patients with cervicogenic headaches may not have received a correct diagnosis. Cervicogenic headaches may often co-occur with other types of headaches.
When a patient initially consults with a chiropractor to manage their headaches, they’ll undergo a thorough examination. This includes the head, neck, shoulders, mid-back, and low back to identify any potential contributing causes. Then, their chiropractor will employ a multimodal treatment approach to address these issues. That may include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapies, physical therapy modalities, specific exercises, nutritional counseling, and more. If necessary, they will co-manage the patient with allied healthcare providers.
