Most people in North Dallas will experience some form of headache during their lifetime. The good news is that most headaches are related, at least in part, to the neck or cervical spine (“cervicogenic headache”) and can be easily managed with chiropractic care.
What Causes Headaches?
Although the exact mechanism of cervicogenic headaches is still under debate, there are two possible explanations that are backed by research. The first includes irritation of the nerves in the upper neck that communicate with the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve). This irritation results in pain that radiates into the face. The second possible mechanism involves irritation of the greater occipital nerve by pulling on connective tissue bridges between the muscles at the base of the skull and the covering of the spinal cord (called the dura).
Headache Warning Signs
Warning signs of a complicated type of headache can include: a very intense, unusual headache that comes on suddenly; significant visual and/or auditory problems; and other neurological signs and symptoms such as balance disturbance, dizziness, weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, mental confusion, and nausea or vomiting. Signs of a potentially dangerous headache include a headache that progressively worsens over 24 hours; a headache that starts after head trauma; headaches that wake you up from sleeping, and headaches that last more than 48 hours.
Relief for Headaches
If you or someone you know has recurring headaches, especially if they have pain in the forehead or back of the skull, please share this article. Guidelines recommend chiropractic care as a safe and effective form of care for headaches. The chiropractic approach for headaches includes a combination of spinal manipulation; soft tissue therapies, such as myofascial release; active release techniques of the tight sub occipital muscles; manual and/or home cervical traction; and posture correction.
If you are searching for a chiropractor near me in North Dallas, please consider scheduling an appointment or walk-in for headache relief today!
