Headaches are one of the most common and most undertreated conditions in chiropractic practice. Most people reach for a pain reliever and wait for the headache to pass without ever addressing the underlying cause. For patients whose headaches originate in the cervical spine or surrounding soft tissue, chiropractic care offers something medication cannot: treatment directed at the source of the problem rather than temporary relief of the symptom.
Dr. Jeff Brown has been evaluating and treating headache patients in Greenville for over 40 years. If you are dealing with frequent, recurring, or chronic headaches that have not responded to conventional treatment, it is worth finding out whether your headaches have a spinal component that chiropractic care can address.
Types of Headaches That Respond to Chiropractic Care
Not all headaches have the same cause and not all headaches respond equally to chiropractic treatment. The types most likely to benefit from chiropractic care include:
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine and are referred into the head. They are caused by dysfunction in the joints, muscles, or nerves of the upper cervical spine and often produce a characteristic pattern of pain that begins at the base of the skull and radiates toward the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. Patients often notice that certain neck movements or sustained postures trigger or worsen their headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches respond very well to chiropractic care directed at the upper cervical spine.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are frequently associated with muscle tension and trigger points in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Poor posture, prolonged computer use, stress, and cervical joint dysfunction all contribute to the muscle tension that drives tension headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue treatment that address the cervical spine and surrounding musculature can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches.
Post-Traumatic Headaches
Headaches that develop following a car accident, a fall, or another traumatic event are extremely common and are frequently related to whiplash, cervical spine injury, or concussion. Post-traumatic headaches can persist for weeks, months, or longer if the underlying cervical injury is not properly treated. Dr. Brown has extensive experience treating post-traumatic headaches in the context of auto accident care and personal injury cases.
What Causes Cervical Headaches?
Several factors can produce headaches with a cervical or musculoskeletal origin including:
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Upper cervical joint dysfunction and misalignment
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Muscle tension and trigger points in the neck and upper back
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Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from auto accidents
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Poor posture and forward head position from prolonged screen use
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Cervical disc problems and nerve compression
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Jaw dysfunction and TMJ issues
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Stress-related muscle guarding in the cervical and shoulder region
How We Treat Headaches
Treatment for headaches at Brown Chiropractic Center begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the type of headache you are experiencing and its underlying cause. Dr. Brown will take a detailed history of your headaches including their location, frequency, duration, triggers, and any associated symptoms.
He will examine your cervical spine, assess your posture and range of motion, perform neurological screening, and take x-rays when indicated.
Treatment is then targeted at the specific findings of your examination and may include cervical chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint function and alignment, soft tissue treatment for muscle tension and trigger points, cervical traction for disc-related or nerve-related headache components, cold laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing, and postural recommendations to address contributing lifestyle factors.
When to Seek Care
Most headaches are not dangerous, but some warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience a sudden severe headache that is unlike anything you have had before, a headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, vision changes, or neurological symptoms, or a headache following a head injury, seek emergency care immediately.
For recurring headaches that have not responded to conventional treatment, call our office and let Dr. Brown evaluate whether a chiropractic approach is appropriate for your situation.
