People who suffer from migraines and headaches can attest to how inconvenient and disruptive these can be to daily life. Headaches and migraines can be attributed to several causes. Accurately identifying the cause(s) of the condition can help guarantee that the best headache treatment can be provided.
Headache and Migraine Research
Over the years, researchers have constantly added to their list of possible headache sources. To date, there are thought to be over 300 causes of migraines and headaches. However, it is likely that data will continue to change as healthcare experts and researchers enhance their categorisation and diagnostic criteria.
Primary and Secondary Headaches
The International Headache society classifies headaches as primary or secondary. Primary headaches are thought to be unrelated to other problems and can include cluster and tension type headaches as well as migraines.
Secondary headaches, on the other hand can be attributed to an underlying issue like cervical spine induced (cervicogenic headaches), post-whiplash headaches, and drug withdrawal headaches. In other words, secondary headaches are symptoms of other health issues and not the cause itself.
Multi-Source Headaches
It is also important to note that many who suffer from headaches may suffer multi-source ones. For instance, if you suffer from migraine, it is also possible that you’ll also experience neck and tension-type headaches. Understandably, treatment will vary and will depend upon key factors like the headache source as well as the specific symptoms.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care, which often involves a combination of treatments like specific muscle therapy, active and passive exercises, and spinal manipulation is considered effective for headache management and prevention.
For those who suffer from migraines or headaches, the following may be performed by chiropractors to treat the condition:
Trigger point therapy as part of the Functional Correction Method (FCM) to address muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as the spine.
Joint mobilisation – Precise therapy where the joints are moved passively for the purpose of minimising pain or enhancing movement. This type of treatment is targeted primarily at the cervical spine when done to treat headaches.
Deep neck flexion exercises – These exercises involve the active movement of the muscles and joints under the guidance of a chiropractor. Primarily, the goal is to stretch the deep neck flexor muscles, which plays a key role in supporting the neck.
Neuromuscular massage – This type of massage focuses on the trigger points within the shoulder, neck, back, and head to ease the pain and symptoms.
Multidisciplinary care intervention – This chiropractic approach involves a combination of relaxation techniques, dietary and lifestyle counseling, stress management techniques, and physical therapy exercises which have been found effective in reducing the frequency and duration of headaches and migraines.