Could Spinal Health Be the Culprit Behind Your Headaches?

Are your headaches taking a toll on your daily life? It may be time to look beyond the usual headache remedies and explore the possibility that your spinal health could be the underlying cause. Recent research has shed light on how neck stiffness, spinal misalignments, and poor posture can make you more susceptible to frequent and debilitating headaches. Could it be that spinal health is what’s really triggering your headaches?

Could Spinal Health Be the Culprit Behind Your Headaches?

When it comes to headaches, the root cause is often unclear. Many people turn to over-the-counter medications or home remedies for relief, but with no real understanding of why they’re getting headaches in the first place. Research has found that spinal health can play a role in headache frequency and severity, particularly when it comes to tension headaches. An aching head isn’t a very clear indicator of any one problem. In depth descriptions of the symptoms are required to provide a differential diagnosis if testing doesn’t provide anything. The doctor may want to know about:

• Pain localized to one part of the head or the scalp itself
• Repetition of the headaches, especially over long periods of time
• Burning or tingling sensations that accompany head pain
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Length of each headache

Types of Headaches Linked to Spinal Health

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and are often caused by stress and tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. This tension can be related to poor posture or spinal misalignment.

Cervicogenic headaches

This type of headache is said to be because of problems in the joints, discs, and surrounding muscles in the neck. They are often triggered by sudden movements or an incorrect lifting technique, and can be treated with physical therapy, massage, or chiropractic care. A cervicogenic headache (CGH) presents as unilateral pain that starts in the neck and is referred from bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. It is a common chronic and recurrent headache that usually starts after neck movement. Additionally, it usually accompanies a reduced range of motion (ROM) of the neck. It could be confused with a migraine, tension headache, or other primary headache syndromes.

Migraines

Migraines have a wide variety of potential causes that range from food allergies to hormones. However, recent research has suggested that spinal misalignment can also be a trigger for migraines. The pain is caused by the activation of nerve fibers within the wall of brain blood vessels traveling inside the meninges (three layers of membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord). Untreated attacks last from four to 72 hours. Other common symptoms include:

• Increased sensitivity to light, noise, and odors
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The Link Between Spinal Health and Headaches

Poor posture is one of the most common causes of neck pain, but it can also lead to frequent headaches and migraines. When you strain the neck by holding your head in an unnatural position, tension builds up in the muscles and can cause headaches. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for headaches caused by neck strain or spinal misalignments.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors use manual therapy to manipulate the spine and alleviate tension in the muscles. This can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and correct spinal misalignments that may be causing headaches. Regular chiropractic care can also help you maintain good posture by strengthening your core muscles and encouraging proper alignment.

Popping an over the counter painkiller may make the pain fade, but this could damage your liver or kidneys over time. Migraines and headaches that return as the medications fade deserve more comprehensive treatments. Try a combination of:

• Stress reduction techniques to stop headaches from developing
• Adjustment and manipulation of the spine to release pressure on crucial nerves
• Traction or computer assisted stretching to stop tension in the neck from irritating the head
• Cervical corrective care to restore the cervical lordosis
• Referrals for further treatment if you are facing a life threatening condition

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are experiencing recurring headaches or migraines, it may be time to look into the link between spinal health and headaches. Our experts at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center can help diagnose and treat your condition with a personalized plan that addresses the root of the problem. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!