Headaches
The first thing to know is that headaches are the #1 reason people see doctors worldwide. So, obviously, headaches are a common ailment. If you believe the advertising we all see, you would think headaches are normal. That’s NOT true! The first truth we will let you in on is that headaches are NOT normal, but a sign (often a painful one) that something is wrong.
There are Many Reasons Headaches Occur…
Headaches have many causes including space occupying lesions in the brain or spinal chord (thankfully, extremely rare), visual strain from eye conditions, head traumas resulting in skull conditions, vascular conditions affecting blood flow to the upper neck and skull, and biochemical problems involving the body’s chemistry. Some of these conditions are much more serious than others, while sometimes having appropriate eyeglasses can eliminate certain headaches completely.
By far the most common cause of headaches is the cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic means caused from the neck. Neurogically the brainstem and upper region of the neck affects many nerves that carry pain which is expressed as headache pain. The nerves carry both motor (muscle movement) and sensory (ability to feel hot, cold, light sensations or pain) to all the body’s 20 million cells. Those in the upper neck affect the face and head.
Trauma to the neck can cause cerviocogenic headaches. Traumas such as blows to the head, falls or car accidents can cause the comparatively delicate upper neck vertebrae to shift in position, which can cause both restricted ability to turn the head in certain directions and nerve compression. When a nerve is stretched or compressed as it leaves the spinal cord, it creates a “short” in the circuit. This can cause decreased blood flow to scalp and muscle and pain from faulty nerve flow, eventually lead to chronic headaches.
If they are recurrent, the first thing you need to do is to find out what is causing them. Unless you find the cause, there is no way to find the right solution. In certain headaches, such as migraines, there is often a particular medication that can virtually eliminate them. In other cases, such as TMD (Temporal mandibular disorder, involving the jaw,) disorders can cause frequent excruciating headaches that are extremely treatable. Cervicogenic headaches also respond very well to a combination of therapies including neuromuscular therapy, manipulation, synaptic or matrix therapy.
Our Approach Works…
Dr. Ren Halverson has had one of the busiest practices in the Southeast of over 25 years and has treated over 10,000 headache patients in his career. Contact our practice for your FREE headache evaluation with Dr. Halverson.
Testimonials:
“I am a business owner and was in a car accident this summer with my son. Initially, I had a great deal of discomfort in normal activities such as household chores, exercise, etc. and was unable to participate in sports. Since beginning treatment at Dr. Halverson’s clinic, I have seen a great improvement in mobility and general health. The intense migraine type of headaches I had prior to seeing Dr. Halverson are now extremely infrequent. I am able to exercise again. The combination of chiropractic, massage, and rehabilitative exercises has improved my energy level, posture, increased my ability to sleep soundly and feel rested.”
-Judy J.
“I am a secretary and college student. I was in an auto accident and began having severe headaches and back pain. I had previously been working primarily on my feet, but following the accident, I was in too much pain, and eventually had to change jobs. Since beginning treatments with Dr. Halverson, the backaches have all but disappeared and the headaches are much less frequent and intense. The combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy has worked well. The benefits achieved have been better flexibility, increased range of motion in my spine, increased stamina, and an overall increase in my well-being. My muscles are much more relaxed and I do not feel so tired all of the time. I am still under care, but expect a full recovery.”
-Stephanie P.
“I was injured as a nurse on the job and was unable to turn my neck. It was hard to carry out any daily functions due to pain and constant muscle spasms. I was hesitant to drive, afraid of getting into an accident. I had seen other chiropractors and had physical therapy before seeing Dr. Halverson, but had no previous success. After beginning treatment with Dr. Halverson, my ability to turn my neck had improved and I am better able to perform daily functions. My overall sense of well being has also increased. Intense headaches are rare now. The combination of medical care, chiropractic care, and massage therapy works well. I think Dr. Halverson is a caring doctor and does a very good job helping people.”
-Melissa B.
To read (and watch) more testimonials about Dr. Ren and Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness, click here.