Headaches are an invisible ailment that affect nine out of 10 people in the United States every year. Whether occasional, frequent, dull, and throbbing or cause debilitating pain and nausea, young and old can suffer from a headache for various reasons.

Headaches can be classified as either a primary or secondary headache. Here are the details:

Primary Headache: This type accounts for 90% of all headaches. While not life-threatening, their impact can be profound and include – Tension: Often occur in response to stressful events or a tough day at work and presents as a steady ache (rather than throbbing). This type of headache does not worsen with physical activity.

Cervicogenic: This type of headache originates from neck disorders and is recognized as referred pain in the head. Neck movement or sustained awkward head position can trigger this type of headache.

Migraine: The most distinguishing feature of a migraine is the inability to function with daily activities due to the pain. Moderate to severe intensity throbbing occurs and is aggravated by physical activity. It is common for the sufferer to experience nausea, with or without vomiting and/or sensitivity to light.

Cluster: This type of headache is relatively rare and distinct in that it occurs in groups or clusters lasting weeks or months. The pain is severe, but the attack is brief and centers around one eye. There also may be nasal congestion on the affected side of the face. A history of heavy drinking and smoking is common, and alcohol consumption often triggers these attacks. More men than women suffer from this.

Secondary Headache: This type accounts for 10% of all headaches and results from a medical condition like an infection or increased pressure in the skull due to a tumor.

While it is easy to pop a pill and hope the pain goes away or grit your teeth and bear it, there is a better alternative. A visit to a chiropractic doctor specializing in spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for tension headaches and headaches that start in the neck¹.

A report published by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for the treatment of neck pain, and increased benefit was shown in several cases where a multimodal approach to neck pain had been used1. Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches².

An Applied Kinesiologist and Chiropractor train extensively to help patients in many ways beyond treatment, specifically for the back. They know how tension in the neck or extremities can relate to problems in other parts of the body. The doctors at Sentinel Health and Wellness are seeing new patients and would love to help you get back to normal. Give us a call at 678-400-4299

1. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014; 37: 42-63.
2. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011; 34: 274-89.