Headaches &
Migraines
Contents
Cervicogenic or chronic tension headache
is the most common headache, originating in
the upper neck due to mechanical dysfunction
and chronic hypomobility or fixation of the
occipital area and cervical joints
irritating the nerves ( C1-C3 ), ligaments
and muscles.
Cervical spondylosis, spondylitis, arthrosis,
rheumatoid arthritis, trigger points in the
cervical and shoulder muscles and poor
posture and neck position during work or
sleep are causative.
Pain starts in the occipital region at the
base of the skull and spreads around to the
forehead, temple and eye. Intensity
fluctuates from mild or moderate to severe
and can occur daily and be worsened by head
and neck movement.
Not all cases of dizziness or vertigo
originate in the balance mechanisms of the
inner ear or are due to vertebrobasilar
arterial pathology. Nerve receptors in the
cervical spine joints and supporting muscles
are important in the maintenance of
balance.
Patients experiencing cervicogenic vertigo
may feel positional unsteadiness or
giddiness with a feeling that the ground is
moving, postural instability on turning the
head and imbalance that is markedly enhanced
by sudden head movements such as neck
extension with upward or downward gaze or on
rising from the lying position.
Neck pain is nearly always present with
muscle tenderness, stiffness, and guarding
of the cervical region, may precede the
sensations of imbalance by days to months
and is commonly located in the occipital
region with radiations to the jaw (temporomandibular
region), the temples and into the arms.
Headaches often present with occipital pain
referred to the back of the eye .
At Back 2 Fitness
each patient is treated as a unique
individual and a thorough examination is
performed to find the origin of the pain,
reach an accurate diagnosis, enable
effective treatment and offer intelligent
advice.
Screening and diagnosis
We will take a full
history of your headaches, perform a
physical, orthopaedic and neurological
examination and check for signs of illness
or infection. You may need blood or urine
tests to identify any underlying medical
conditions.
A referral for Digital computerised X-rays
for an MRI - (magnetic resonance imaging)
-may be recommended.
Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Physical
Therapy are the treatments of
choice for cervicogenic headaches with
careful and specific manual chiropractic
mobilisation or manipulation to regain
normal spinal flexibility, function and
posture. Acupuncture promotes the release
of natural painkillers (endorphins) and
many other chemicals in the central nervous
system and stimulates and targets the
healing process.
Massage
reduces stress, relieves muscular
tension and promotes relaxation and is
particularly helpful for tight, tender
muscles at the back of the head, neck and
shoulders.
Seek
prompt attention for headache
that is sudden and severe, accompanies a
fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure,
double vision, weakness, numbness,
difficulty speaking or follows a head injury
Prevention
Avoid headache triggers
such as:
- Physical,
postural and emotional stress.
- Lack of sleep.
- Missed meals.
- Avoid foods or
alcohol which seems to trigger
headaches.
- Exercise
regularly: Walking, swimming or cycling.
- Reduce stress:
Organise, Simplify, Think and Act
positively.
- Stop smoking:
Smoking can trigger headaches or make
them worse (particularly sinus
headaches).
Call us now on 01752 777 003
...we
are here to help you.
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