Headaches and Migraines

The causes of headaches are numerous. Your chiropractor is trained to diagnose the varying causes of headaches and can recommend a suitable treatment program. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be highly effective for the treatment and prevention of migraines and cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck).(1,2)

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by referred pain from both the bony and soft tissue structures of the neck. This can result from trauma or poor postural habits (even stomach sleeping, which keeps the neck in rotation for much of the night).(3,4) The pain in a cervicogenic headache can mimic that of a migraine or a tension headache, and so careful examination is required to arrive at the correct diagnosis.(5)

Migraines are a severe form of headache often characterized by intense pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Research suggests that chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulation, can be an effective treatment option for migraine relief and prevention.(6,7) Several studies have demonstrated that chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy can significantly reduce migraine frequency, duration, disability, and need for medication compared to control groups.(8,9) Proposed mechanisms include reducing muscle tension, improving spinal function and mobility, and decreasing neurological irritation and inflammation.(10)

Chiropractors use a comprehensive approach, including detailed case history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests, to accurately diagnose the type of headache and determine the most effective treatment plan.(5,11) Additionally, they may recommend lifestyle modifications, trigger avoidance strategies, stress management techniques, and regular chiropractic care to address underlying biomechanical and postural imbalances contributing to headaches and migraines.(12,13)

References:

  1. Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R., ... & White, E. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274-289.

  2. Chaibi, A., & Russell, M. B. (2014). Manual therapies for primary chronic headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 15(1), 67.

  3. Biondi, D. M. (2005). Cervicogenic headache: a review of diagnostic and treatment strategies. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 105(4 Suppl 2), 16S-22S.

  4. Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Courtney, C. A., & Fernández-Carnero, J. (2021). Posture and chronic headache. Cephalalgia, 41(7), 802-821.

  5. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). (2018). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 38(1), 1-211.

  6. Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R., ... & White, E. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274-289.

  7. Chaibi, A., & Russell, M. B. (2014). Manual therapies for primary chronic headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 15(1), 67.

  8. Chaibi, A., Benth, J. Š., Tuchin, P. J., & Russell, M. B. (2017). Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Neurology, 24(1), 143-153.

  9. Tuchin, P. J., Pollard, H., & Bonello, R. (2000). A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 23(2), 91-95.

  10. Goadsby, P. J., Hoskin, K. L., & Storer, R. J. (2002). Paradoxical functional manifestations of migraine. Journal of Neurology, 249(7), 829-835.

  11. Murphy, D. R., & Hurwitz, E. L. (2016). A theoretical model for the development of a diagnosis-based clinical decision guide for the management of patients with spinal pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 17(1), 1-16.

  12. Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R. L., & Bouter, L. M. (2004). Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. The Spine Journal, 4(3), 335-356.

  13. Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Courtney, C. A., & Fernández-Carnero, J. (2021). Posture and chronic headache. Cephalalgia, 41(7), 802-821.