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Health Articles

Chiropractic Care for Headaches

Brian Bartholomew - Sunday, August 28, 2011

Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help You Be Free Of Headaches

There are many different types of headaches, including acute and chronic headaches, tension headaches, migraine headaches, and headaches that can result from more serious issues.  Some 45 million Americans suffer from headaches, and it is one of the leading causes for missed days of work.  Chiropractic care can often solve the underlying cause for the headache, relieving symptoms and thereby reducing or eliminating the use of drugs to combat these symptoms.  What would you rather do, take a pill to dull the pain, or choose a treatment that identifies and solves the problem that causes the pain, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for medication?

The following articles describes the anatomical and physiological basis for how subluxation in the neck can result in chronic headaches:  click here,  here and here.

Boline et al published a study (click here for the abstract) demonstrating that chiropractic care is an effective treatment for chronic tension headaches.  The authors also noted sustained greater long-term theraputic benenit from chiropractic adjustments as compared to drug therapy, with few or none of the side effects associated with drug treatment.

A 1998 study by Nelson et al establishes chiropractic care as a treatment for migraine headaches that is as effective as drug therapy, but lacking its side effects.  Click here for the abstract.

In 2001, 19 experts from different health care disciplines published a literature review comparing several headache treatment approaches.  The authors concluded that chiropractic care results in immediate improvement of headache symptoms, with longer lasting relief than drug therapy.  Click here for the PDF.

If you suffer from headaches, chiropractic care may be able to help you be free of them so you can live a better and fuller life!  Call or email us to set up an appointment to get your spine checked at Bartholomew Family Chiropractic and see what we can do to help you.

Curve in The Neck, Headaches and Neck Pain

Brian Bartholomew - Wednesday, July 13, 2011

In this blog post we review many studies showing that loss of the spinal cervical curve or the curve in the neck can cause neck degeneration, headaches and neck pain.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 Sep;17(7):454-64.  

The efficacy of cervical extension-compression traction combined with diversified manipulation and drop table adjustments in the rehabilitation of cervical lordosis: a pilot study.

Harrison DD, Jackson BL, Troyanovich S, Robertson G, de George D, Barker WF.
Chiropractic BioPhysics, Non-Profit, Inc., Harvest, AL 35749.

OBJECTIVE: To experimentally investigate the effect of cervical extension-compression traction combined with diversified chiropractic manipulation and drop table adjusting in establishing or increasing cervical lordosis. DESIGN: Blinded, before and after trial with pre- and postlateral cervical radiographic measurement. SETTING: Primary care private chiropractic clinic in Saugus, MA. SUBJECTS: A) Control group--convenience sample who had no health care for 10-14 wk, 30 persons. B) Treatment group 1, nonrandomized control trial, 35 persons, whose pre- and postlateral cervical radiographs were taken 10-14 wk apart and whose radiographs clearly depicted C1 through C7. C) Treatment group 2, nonrandomized control trial, 30 persons, whose pre- and postlateral cervical radiographs were taken 10-14 wk apart and whose radiographs clearly depicted C1 through C7.

INTERVENTIONS: Treatment group 1: diversified spinal manipulation, drop table adjustments and cervical extension-compression traction five times per week for 10-14 wk (12 wk +/- 2). Treatment group 2: diversified spinal manipulation and drop table adjustments five times per week for 10-14 wk (12 wk +/- 2). MAIN

OUTCOME MEASURES: Anterior head translation millimeters, C2 to C7 absolute rotation angle, angle of C1 to horizontal (atlas plane angle), five relative rotation angles (C2-3, C3-4, C4-5, C5-6, C6-7) and qualitative classification of lordotic configuration. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes existed between the pre- and posttests for the control group except in the C6-7 relative rotation angle. In the treatment group 1, statistically significant differences were found in all X-ray markings. Twenty-nine of 35 members have a lordosis after treatment compared to 11 of 35 before treatment. The C2 to C7 angle changed an average 13.2 degrees, C1 to horizontal changed an average 9.8 degrees, the anterior head translation reduced an average of 6.8 mm, the average relative rotation angle changed: C2-3: 3.1, C3-4: 5.5, C4-5: 4.80, C5-6: 2.7 and C6-7: 1.1. In the treatment group 2, no statistically significant changes existed between the pre- and posttests except atlas angulation to horizontal which increased an average of 3.0 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS: A transformation to a lordotic configuration or increase in lordotic configuration occurred and was measured in the majority of treatment group 1 subjects, while no change in the control group and essentially no change in treatment group 2 was measured. Extension-compression traction combined with diversified chiropractic manipulation and drop table adjusting procedures may improve or partially reestablish the cervical lordosis in 10-14 wk of daily care.

Publication Types:
· Clinical Trial
· Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 7989879 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

CBP Structural Rehabilitaion of the Cervical Spine, Deed E. Harrision, DC, Donald D. Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE, Jason W. Haas, DC, 2002 Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc.  pg. 56, “Cervical Lordosis and Headaches”

     We believe it relevant that several studies have investigated and linked the relationship of altered cervical curve configuration to the presence of chronic headache pain.  In a survey of over 6,000 cases of chronic headache sufferes, Braaf and Rosner found that “complete or segmental loss or reversal of the normal lordotic curve of the cervical spine is the most consistent tension and migraine headaches, Vernon et al. found a high incidence of hypolordosis, straightened and reversed cervical curve configurations.  Also, Nagasawa et al. compared 372 patients with tension headaches to 225 controls matched for age and sex.  They found patients with tension headaches to 225 controls matched for age and sex.  They found statistically significant differences between the two groups, with patients having straightened curve was straight more frequently.  This information contrasts nicely with the findings of Gore et al., where in asymptomatic subjects, the cervical curve increased with age.  Gore et al. found that the average C2-C7 lordosis was 27 degrees in their older asymptomatic patients compared to an average 23 degree for all asymptomatic patients.

CBP Structural Rehabilitaion of the Cervical Spine, Deed E. Harrision, DC, Donald D. Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE, Jason W. Haas, DC, 2002 Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc. Studies Referenced in “Cervical Lordosis and Headaches”

1.  Headache. 1993 Feb;33(2):90-5.  

Roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine in tension-type headache.
Nagasawa A, Sakakibara T, Takahashi A.

Department of Neurology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.

Roentgenographic studies were carried out on 372 patients with tension-type headache and 225 normal control subjects to determine relationships between straightened cervical spines, low-set shoulders, and cervical spine instability. A great majority of the patients with tension-type headache were found also to have straightened cervical spine. Patients with tension-type headache may have a restricted progression of the cervical spinal lordosis, which results in a straightened cervical spine. The flexor muscles of the head and neck prevent physiological lordosis of the cervical spine, and their sustained chronic contraction may be a principal cause of a straightened neck. The low-set shoulder was frequently seen in patients with tension-type headache, and it may result in traction of the brachial plexus, which gives rise to pain in the neck and shoulders. Cervical spine instability, on the other hand, was rather infrequent in patients with tension-type headache. Its relationship to tension-type headache is unclear and warrants further study. Our results suggest that both a straightened cervical spine and low-set shoulders may play an important role in the pathogenesis of tension-type headache and its accessory symptoms.

PMID: 8458729 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2.  J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1992 Sep;15(7):418-29.  

Cervicogenic dysfunction in muscle contraction headache and migraine: a descriptive study.

Vernon H, Steiman I, Hagino C.
Center for the Study of Spinal Health, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and nature of findings of cervicogenic dysfunction is explored in subjects with muscle contraction/tension-type (MCH) headache and common migraine without aura (CM). DESIGN: Descriptive survey. SETTING: Chiropractic outpatient research clinic. PATIENTS: Forty-seven (47) subjects, aged 18-55 with two categories of benign headache, were studied: MCH (tension-type) n = 19 (6 males, 13 females) and CM (without aura), n = 28 (3 males, 25 females). Subjects were recruited as part of an intervention trial and, thus, form a consecutive sample of patients. The present findings were elicited as part of the initial assessment. INTERVENTION: No therapeutic intervention is reported. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardized headache history; plain film and dynamic spinal X rays; motion palpation; and pressure algometry. RESULTS: For CM, the most prevalent headache locations were frontal (81%) and occipital (78%). Neck pain and upper back pain accompanied headache in 90% and 41% of subjects, respectively. For MCH, the most prevalent headache locations were occipital (87%) and frontal (81%). Neck and upper back pain accompanied headache in 100% and 27%, respectively, of all subjects. For the total group, 77% of all subjects and 89% of females exhibited a marked reduction, absence or reversal of the normal cervical lordosis. Ninety-seven percent of all subjects exhibited, on dynamic X-ray studies, at least one significant abnormality of segmental mobility from C1 to C7, while 43% exhibited abnormalities at four or more segments. Segmental motion at C0-C1 was reduced in 90% of subjects in flexion and 70% of subjects in extension. On motion palpation, 84% of CM and MCH subjects were found to have at least two major fixations from C0 to C2. On pressure algometry, 92% of CM and 85% of MCH had at least one verifiable tender point (TP) in the upper cervical region. The most common locations for TPs were mid-cervical (C2-C3), lateral occipital and suboccipital. CONCLUSIONS: Both MCH and CM subjects demonstrate high occurrences of: a) occipital and neck pain during headaches; b) tender points in the upper cervical region; c) greatly reduced or absent cervical curve; and d) X-ray evidence of joint dysfunction in the upper and lower cervical spine. These findings support the premise that the neck plays an important, but largely ignored role in the manifestation of adult benign headaches. A case-control study should be conducted to confirm the greater prevalence of cervicogenic dysfunction in headache as compared to nonheadache subjects.

PMID: 1342581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3.  Spine. 2001 Nov 15;26(22):2463-6.  

Roentgenographic findings in the cervical spine in asymptomatic persons: a ten-year follow-up.

Gore DR.
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

STUDY DESIGN: The lateral roentgenographic findings in 159 initially asymptomatic persons were reviewed at a 10-year interval. A questionnaire was used at the time of the last roentgenogram to determine the incidence of pain. OBJECTIVES: To identify the number of persons who experienced pain during that 10-year period, describe the roentgenographic changes, and determine the association between the development of symptoms and roentgenographic findings. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is well established that degenerative changes of the cervical spine increase with age and may occur in asymptomatic persons. However, it is unknown whether pain is more likely to develop in persons with degenerative changes than in those with normal roentgenograms. METHODS: Lateral cervical roentgenograms were obtained in 200 asymptomatic persons, 100 women and 100 men, to obtain normal values of cervical lordosis and degenerative changes in persons aged 20-65 years. Ten years later, 159 participants had repeat roentgenograms and were administered a questionnaire regarding the presence or absence of pain. RESULTS: There was an increase in the number of subluxations and an increase in degenerative changes. Pain developed in 15% of participants in the 10-year interval. The presence of degenerative changes at C6-C7 on the initial roentgenogram was a statistically significant predictor of pain. CONCLUSION: With age, there is an increase in the number of subluxations and the incidence and severity of degenerative changes. Pain is more likely to develop in persons with degenerative changes at C6-C7.

PMID: 11707711 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Other Studies:
There are several studies indicating cervical kyphosis as a factor predicting por results after whiplash injury.  In a 5-year long-term follow-up of 146 patients’ with whiplash injury.  Hohl identified cervical kyphosis as a factor predicting a poor outcome.  Norris and Watt followed 61 patients involved in motor vehicle accidents for a minimum of six months.  They found that abnormal neck curves “…are more common in patients with a poor outcome.”  In a prospective study, Ettlin et al. found that loss of lordosis was very common (68%) in patients with cerebral symptoms due to whiplash injury.

  •  Recently in a prospective study of 110 patients, Kai et al. studied the relationship of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) to whiplash injury.  They found an incidence of cervical kyphosis of 44%-46% in the patients with NTOS compared to 11-24% in the subjects without NTOS.  Kai et al. concluded that reversal of the cervical lordosis was abnormal and cervical lordosis is a significant finding after whiplash injury.  Lastly, several studies have demonstrated that whiplash injuries do indeed cause reversals and other changes in the configuration of the cervical lordosis. 

CBP Structural Rehabilitaion of the Cervical Spine, Deed E. Harrision, DC, Donald D. Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE, Jason W. Haas, DC, 2002 Harrison CBP Seminars, Inc.  “Studies indicating Cervical Lordosis is related to pain after Whiplash”

1.  J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1983 Nov;65(5):608-11.  

The prognosis of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions.

Norris SH, Watt I.

Injury of the neck may result when a motor vehicle is run into from behind; such injury is frequently the cause of prolonged disability and litigation. We report a series of 61 patients with these injuries. A classification, based upon the presenting symptoms and physical signs has been evolved. This classification is shown to be a reliable basis for formulating a prognosis. Factors which adversely affect prognosis include the presence of objective neurological signs, stiffness of the neck, muscle spasm, and pre-existing degenerative spondylosis.

PMID: 6643566 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
2. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1992 Oct;55(10):943-8.  

Cerebral symptoms after whiplash injury of the neck: a prospective clinical and neuropsychological study of whiplash injury.

Ettlin TM, Kischka U, Reichmann S, Radii EW, Heim S, Wengen D, Benson DF.

University Clinics, Basel, Switzerland.

Twenty one unselected patients with an acute whiplash injury of the neck had neurological and neuropsychological assessment, cervical x rays, EEG, BAEP, MRI, and an otoneurological examination within two weeks of the injury. Subjectively, 13 patients reported concentration deficits, 18 reported sleep disturbances, 9 had symptoms of depression, and 7 female patients told of menstrual irregularities. Neuropsychological examination revealed significantly lower performance in tests related to attention and concentration compared to sex, age and educational matched control subjects. Otoneurological examination showed abnormalities in 9 of 17 whiplash subjects. EEG showed questionable changes in 8 of 18 recordings. MRI and BAEP were normal in all patients. Repeat neuropsychological testing in 15 patients at three months showed that attention deficits had improved but were still shown in 12 of 14 and the concentration deficits in 8 of 13 patients. At one year all patients had returned to work, 16 to full and 5 to part time employment. In 4, cognitive dysfunction remained the only significant problem. These findings are discussed as being compatible with possible damage to basal frontal and upper brain stem structures after whiplash injury of the neck.

PMID: 1431958 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3. J Spinal Disord. 2001 Dec;14(6):487-93.  

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in whiplash injury.

Kai Y, Oyama M, Kurose S, Inadome T, Oketani Y, Masuda Y.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukuoka City Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.

A prospective study of 110 patients was carried out to determine the pathogenic significance of trauma to the upper body in the development of neural compressive irritation at the thoracic outlet. Twenty-nine patients were reviewed as cervical strain injuries (N group), 25 patients as probable neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) (PT group), 39 patients as definite NTOS (T group), and 17 patients as NTOS associated with cervical disc disease (CD-T group). The time lapse between accident and diagnosis and the duration of treatment were significantly longer in T patients or CD-T patients than those in the N group. Radiography of NTOS patients also showed a higher percentage of cervical spine-length/height ratio. Traumatic NTOS would suggest two types related to direct damage of scalene muscles that included some physical aspects of cervical disc disease. Pathogenesis provided a key to the resolution of more complex posttraumatic problems of whiplash injury.

PMID: 11723397 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

4. Am J Med. 2001 Jun 1;110(8):651-6.  
Whiplash: a review of a commonly misunderstood injury.

Eck JC, Hodges SD, Humphreys SC.

University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

Whiplash injury is a relatively common occurrence, but its mechanism and optimal treatment remain poorly understood. It is estimated that the incidence of whiplash injury is approximately 4 per 1,000 persons. The most common radiographic findings include either preexisting degenerative changes or a slight flattening of the normal lordotic curvature of the cervical spine. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are generally reserved for cases of neurologic deficit, suspected disc or spinal cord damage, fracture, or ligamentous damage. Biomechanics studies have determined that after rear impact C6 is rotated back into extension before movement of the upper cervical vertebrae. Thus, the lower cervical vertebrae were in extension while the upper vertebrae were in a position of relative flexion, producing an S shape in the cervical spine. It is believed that this abnormal motion pattern might play a role in the development of whiplash injuries. Historically, a soft cervical collar has been used early after the injury in an attempt to restrict cervical range of motion and limit the chances of further injury. More recent studies report rest and restriction of motion to be detrimental and to slow the healing process.
PMID: 11382374 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Headache Info

Brian Bartholomew - Monday, May 30, 2011



Migraines, Brain Lesions: New Links Seen


(With Chiropractic care we see amazing results with most types of headaches because we help address the cause.  By removing pressure from the nerves that control headaches and improving any nutritional or toxicity links we are able to help the individual heal)









Study Shows Higher Risk of Brain Lesions Who Have Migraines With Aura
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News
migraines_brain_lesions_1.jpg

June 23, 2009 -- Women who experience migraine headaches with aura may be more likely to develop brain lesions when they are older, according to a new study.

Researchers say the results add to a growing number of studies that suggest migraines may be more than a transient condition and may cause long-term damage in the form of cell death and lesions in the brain over time.

Migraine headaches are a common problem, affecting about 11% of adults and three to four times as many women than men. About one-third of those who suffer the painful headaches experience aura -- visual or sensory disturbances just prior to the migraine.

The study, published in TheJournal of the American Medical Association, looked at the association between midlife migraines and brain lesions later in life among 4,689 men and women in Iceland who have been followed since 1967. The participants were interviewed about migraine symptoms in midlife and received brain scans 26 years later.

Brain lesions were found in 39% of men and 25% of women. After adjusting for other risk factors, such as age, heart disease, and stroke risk, researchers found that women who had migraines with aura during midlife were more likely to have brain lesions in the cerebellum part of the brain. Twenty-three percent of women with migraine with aura had these types of brain lesions, compared with 15% of women without headaches.

There was no such association between migraine with aura and brain lesions in men.

Researcher Ann I. Scher, PhD, of Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md. and colleagues say further long-term studies are needed to better establish this relationship between migraine with aura and brain lesions and determine the mechanism behind the link.

An editorial that accompanies the study also urges caution in interpreting these results.

"It is premature to conclude that migraine has hazardous effects on the brain," write Tobias Kurth, MD, ScD, of the University Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris and Christophe Tzourio, MD, PhD, of the University Pierre et Marie Curie and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston in the editorial.

"However," the editorial notes, "the study raises important questions. New studies examining the association of migraine with structural brain changes and brain function should improve understanding of the associations and perhaps further unveil migraine-specific mechanisms."


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