Headaches are commonly experienced in the adult population and are the third most common reason people seek chiropractic care.  Patients usually seek chiropractic treatments for pain relief from headaches, and to prevent future headaches.  Three main classifications of headaches from the International Headache Society that can benefit from chiropractic care are indicated below.

Migraines

Migraines are recurrent headaches that last from 4-72 hours in duration. They are typically felt on one side of the head as a pulsing sensation. Pain intensity is increase with routine activities. Additionally, at least one of the following is experienced: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or sensitivity to sound. Visual changes can also occur, called auras.  It is important to note, that migraines are frequently multi-factorial, meaning they have a variety of contributing causes, which can range from weather and food triggers, muscular tightness, problems with the joints in the neck, and dysfunctional movement patterns.

Canadian Chiropractic Association guidelines recommend:

  • Chiropractic: Spinal adjustments 1-2 times per week for 8 weeks
  • Massage Therapy: Weekly 45 minute massage therapy sessions on the head, neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Co-management with other health care providers to include exercise, relaxation strategies, and stress and nutrition counseling.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches are frequent headaches which last from minutes to days in duration. They are often felt as a pressing or tightening on both sides of the head and commonly described as feeling “band-like”. These headaches are not aggravated by activities of daily living. There is no associated nausea or vomiting but either sensitivity to light or sensitivity to sound may be present.

Canadian Chiropractic Association guidelines recommend:

  • Chiropractic: Mobilizations of the neck and resistance exercises for 10 minutes, 2 times per day for 6 weeks, followed by mobilizations of the neck for a minimum of 2 times per week for 6 months.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are classified as pain in the head or face that is referred from structures within the neck (cervical spine).

Canadian Chiropractic Association guidelines recommend:

  • Chiropractic: Spinal adjustments 2 times per week for 3 weeks
  • Chiropractic: Strengthening exercises for the deep flexors of the neck 2 times per week for 3 weeks and/or 8-12 sessions of mobilizations over 6 weeks.

 

In addition to the headaches listed above, which can be treated by a Chiropractor, there are many other causes for headaches. Therefore, if you are currently suffering from recurrent headaches it is recommended that you follow-up with a health care provider. An initial chiropractic examination will provide enough information to determine if chiropractic care might be beneficial or whether a referral to a different health care provider may be warranted.

*The above information is adapted from: Canadian Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards (2012) Clinical practice guideline for the management of headache disorders in adults.