Beyond the Pill: A New Approach to Headache Relief
Chronic headaches and migraines affect millions of people, often leading to debilitating
pain that disrupts daily life. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary
relief, they don’t address the underlying cause of the pain and can lead to medication-
overuse headaches. For many sufferers, the root of the problem lies in the neck. This is
where chiropractic care at Spine Health and Wellness offers a powerful, drug-free solution
by treating a common but often overlooked cause: cervicogenic headaches.
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache, meaning it is caused by an
underlying physical issue, specifically a disorder of the cervical spine (the neck). Pain from a
cervicogenic headache is referred from the neck and felt in the head. It is often triggered by
neck movement and can be accompanied by neck stiffness and a reduced range of motion.
Unlike primary headaches like migraines and tension headaches, which are caused by
processes within the brain itself, cervicogenic headaches originate from problems with the
bones, discs, or soft tissues of the neck.
The Chiropractic Solution for Headaches
Chiropractic care is exceptionally well-suited to treat cervicogenic headaches because it
directly addresses the dysfunction in the cervical spine. A 2011 study in the
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can significantly improve both migraine and cervicogenic headaches
Treatment typically involves:
- Spinal Manipulation: Chiropractors apply controlled force to specific joints of the spine
to improve alignment and mobility. For headaches, this focuses on the cervical spine to
reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension. - Joint Mobilization: This involves gentle, passive movement of the neck joints to
increase range of motion and reduce stiffness. - Deep Neck Flexor Exercises: Strengthening the deep muscles of the neck helps to
stabilize the cervical spine and prevent future headaches.
Introducing the SNAG Technique
One highly effective technique used in both chiropractic and physical therapy is the
Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG). This is a mobilization technique that
involves the therapist applying a gentle, sustained pressure to a specific vertebra in the
neck while the patient actively moves their head. Research has shown that SNAGs can
provide significant and long-lasting improvement in pain and function for patients with
cervicogenic headaches 2 . The technique is gentle, painless, and helps to restore normal
joint movement.
|
Headache Type
|
Chiropractic Approach
|
|---|---|
|
Cervicogenic Headache |
Spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, and SNAGs to correct cervical spine dysfunction. |
|
Tension Headache |
Adjustments to the upper back and neck to relieve muscle tension and improve posture. |
|
Migraine Headache |
Spinal manipulation to reduce nerve irritation that may trigger migraines, along with nutritional and lifestyle advice to manage triggers. |
Q&A: Headaches and Chiropractic Care
How can I tell if my headache is cervicogenic?
A key sign of a cervicogenic headache is pain that is triggered by neck movement or
sustained neck postures. The pain is often one-sided and may be accompanied by neck
pain and stiffness. A thorough examination by a chiropractor or other healthcare
professional is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis.
Is spinal manipulation of the neck safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor, cervical spinal
manipulation is a safe procedure. Chiropractors are highly trained to perform these
adjustments. The risk of serious complications is extremely low.
How quickly can I expect relief?
However, a series of treatments is often needed to achieve long-term correction and lasting
to your specific condition. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Can chiropractic care help with migraines that aren’t caused by the neck?
While the primary cause of migraines is neurological, issues in the neck can be a
significant contributing factor or trigger for many people. By improving the function of the
cervical spine and reducing nerve irritation, chiropractic care can help decrease the
frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, even if they are not purely cervicogenic.
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] ChiroUp. (2025, March 12 ). 5 Effective Cervicogenic Headache Treatments. Retrieved
from
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