Headache (arising from the neck) / Migraine

Headaches are a very common symptom and unfortunately most people think they have to live with them. A lot of headaches actually originate from a problem with the upper part of the neck – these are called Cervicogenic Headaches. This will often cause pain from the back of the skull over the top of the head and/or behind or over the eyes. The pain is ‘tight’ and like a ‘vice’ rather than throbbing.

Tension in the shoulders for example caused by stress, can develop into a headache – usually called a ‘tension headache’.

Migraines are by definition caused by the blood vessels in the brain contracting and expanding. The contraction can cause disturbed vision such as flashing lights as well as nausea and sickness. This is termed the ‘aura’ and usually comes before the actual headache which is often throbbing and can be very severe. Migraines have lots of ‘triggers’ such as food, stress, tiredness etc but a lot of patients with migraines also suffer ‘normal’ headaches. These can then be another migraine trigger, and we do see a lot of patients whose frequency and severity of their migraines reduce significantly with chiropractic treatment.

Treament is usually directed to the neck and shoulders. Click here for more information on neck pain