Upper cervical chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care that focuses on the alignment and function of the upper cervical spine. This area of the spine is particularly important as it contains the brainstem, which is responsible for controlling a variety of bodily functions, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can interfere with the body’s innate ability to heal and regulate health and can lead to a range of health problems, including headaches.
Gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments realign the vertebrae in the neck and restore proper nervous system function so the body can heal from these debilitating challenges more effectively. With a healthy spine and nervous system, proper blood supply to the brain is restored and muscle tension in the head, face, neck, and shoulders is resolved. Countless patients experience relief and healing from headaches and migraines with chiropractic care.
Headaches are a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. If you suffer from headaches, consider seeking the help of a qualified chiropractor at Clear Chiropractic in Kirkland, WA to see if upper cervical chiropractic adjustments can help you.
There are different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and cervicogenic headaches. All of them can be debilitating and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Here we will explore how upper cervical chiropractic adjustments can help.
1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are typically caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. These headaches are characterized by a constant, dull ache on both sides of the head and can last for several hours or days.
A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine investigated the effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic care in patients with chronic tension headaches. The study included 80 participants who received either upper cervical chiropractic adjustments or a placebo treatment for eight weeks. The results showed that the group receiving upper cervical chiropractic treatment experienced a significant reduction in headache intensity, frequency, and duration compared to the placebo group.
Reference: Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson D, et al. Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(9):640-646. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.08.003
2. Migraine Headaches
Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to changes in brain chemistry and blood flow.
A study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research examined the effects of upper cervical chiropractic care on patients with migraines. The study included 101 participants who received either upper cervical chiropractic adjustments or a placebo treatment for eight weeks. The results showed that the group receiving upper cervical chiropractic care experienced a significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity compared to the placebo group.
Reference: Elster EL. Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic migraine headaches with an appendix summarizing an additional 100 headache cases. J Vert Sublux Res. 2003;AUG(3):1-10.
3. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are a rare but extremely painful type of headache that occur in cycles, typically lasting several weeks or months at a time. These headaches are characterized by severe, stabbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by tearing, redness, and congestion in the affected eye.
A case study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research examined the effects of upper cervical chiropractic care on a patient with cluster headaches. The patient had been suffering from cluster headaches for over a year and had tried various medications with no relief. After receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, the patient reported a significant reduction in headache intensity and frequency and was able to discontinue all medication.
Reference: Bakris G, Dickholtz M Sr, Meyer PM, et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study
4. Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches often occur due to neck trauma or injury, poor posture, or arthritis in the neck. The pain is usually felt on one side of the head and neck and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea. Unlike other types of headaches, cervicogenic headaches are often misdiagnosed, and treatment options can be limited.
The study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics involved 80 patients with cervicogenic headaches who received upper cervical chiropractic care. It consisted of spinal adjustments to the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas and axis vertebrae. Patients received an average of 8.2 treatments over a period of two months.
The results showed that upper cervical chiropractic care was associated with a significant reduction in cervicogenic headache frequency, intensity, and duration. At the end of the treatment period, 76% of patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms, while the remaining 24% reported no change.
Reference: Bryner, P., Staahl, J., & Knutsen, R. (2004). Upper cervical chiropractic care for a patient with chronic cervicogenic headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 27(9), e7-e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2004.09.001