Can Headaches and Migraines be Caused by My Neck?

Approximately nine out of ten Americans, both adults and children, suffer from headaches. 

The majority of these headaches are what is called a Cervicogenic Headache, which simply means the headache is caused by the neck.  And anyone who has suffered from these 'neck headaches' can tell you how closely they resemble both tension headaches and migraine headaches.  Neck headaches may be more severe on one side of the head than the other, although not always, and can cause pain at the base of the head, temples or sides of the head, and behind the eyes.  Neck headaches can last from hours to weeks and are often accompanied by pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. 

As with migraines and tension headaches, neck headaches cause pain that can be throbbing or pounding and is often severe to the point where people miss work or avoid activity.  Nausea and sensitivity to light or sound may also be present.  And because of the intense pain and the striking similarity in symptoms, these neck headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines and treated with medication.  People can have headaches every day for years, never knowing that the source of their headache pain is actually their neck. 

Headaches can literally take the enjoyment out of life, but Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can help significantly reduce the number and severity of headaches, without pain medications and their undesirable side effects.

 

What is Causing my Migraine and Headache Pain?

The majority of headaches are caused by problems with the neck.  Automobile accidents, falls, sports injuries, physical labor, stress, poor posture, and daily repetitive activities like working at a computer can all lead to everyday headache pain.  These activities all contribute to wear and tear on the muscles and joints of the neck, causing neck pain and stiffness, and ultimately, daily headache pain. 

When the joints stop working properly they can become a constant source of irritation to the nerves and lead to muscle tension and neck pain.  Eventually wear and tear on the neck causes pain to creep into the base of the head, temples and behind the eyes.  With continued wear and tear, stress, accidents and poor posture, neck problems can become chronic, and headaches can become daily and intense.

Unless normal function is restored to these joints and muscles, headaches can continue for years.

 

Effective Headache Treatment with Chiropractic and Active Release

The most important step in determining whether Chiropractic can help your headaches is a proper assessment of the joints and muscles of the neck.  Dr. McGahey is one of only a few Chiropractors in Bellevue, WA that uses motion x-ray technology to determine if there is any existing damage to the joints and structures of the neck that may be causing your headache pain.  Since many headaches are related to problems in the neck, being able to see the neck joints in motion can be invaluable in locating the cause of headaches.  The procedure is painless and generally takes less than a minute.  The best part is, that the patient is able to watch the motion x-ray along with the doctor and see for themselves where the problem is.

Dr. McGahey is also in the small percentage of Chiropractors who are Certified Active Release Technique Providers.  Active Release Technique is considered the 'Gold Standard' in soft tissue treatment and can have a dramatic effect in the treatment of headaches.  Active Release Technique is incredibly effective at restoring normal health and function to the muscles and soft tissues of the neck and shoulders.

Using motion x-ray, Dr. McGahey can direct treatment to the specific joints in the neck that are causing headache pain.  Chiropractic adjustments can help restore normal function to these joints, reducing headache pain and the need for headache medication.  At the same time Active Release Technique treatment can break up scar tissue and knots in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, leading to decreased pain and often a dramatic reduction in headaches.

 

Treatment of Headaches and Migraines in Bellevue, WA

If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can help with your headaches and migraines, please consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Bellevue, WA near Overlake Hospital.  Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!