Current Section: Headaches

Headaches

Headaches can be brutal.

Not only for the sufferer but also for their family.

Our protocol for headaches begins with a full examination and history to determine why you have the headache.

Once we understand the cause of your headaches we design a treatment program with two goals in mind:

Over the years we have helped literally thousands of Antelope Valley residents with their headaches. Though each patient is different, most had a few common factors:

They had had the headaches for a number of years.
They had been under the care of their family doctor.
Some had been to neurologists, had MRI’s and CT Scans
Some had been to other chiropractors
They had either been told to take medication or were taking medication.
Many were taking as many as three or four different pills (muscle relaxers, pain pills, anti-depressant, etc.).
Some even injected themselves with fiorinal.
They had been diagnosed with migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches or stress headaches.
The headaches were ruining the quality of their life and affecting their relationships.

We’ve helped many headache sufferers who thought they could not be helped. The only way to find out requires that you take the first step of calling our office to schedule a consultation.

How whiplash causes headaches. Many patients experience headaches 2 or 3 years after a car accident. We see these patients and after we look at their X-Rays we can tell they were in a car accident. These patients usually respond so well to chiropractic care.

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These tiny muscles can cause neck pain and headaches by irritating the nerves that pass through this "triangle".

The nerves that pass through the sub occipital triangle exit the spine and travel over the top of the head to the forehead, temple, eye and bridge of the nose,

Migraine Headache

Migraines can ruin lives. A migraine is a vascular headache. The headache is usually on one side of the head. Nausea and vomiting are common. The throbbing eventually evolves into a dull steady pain.

The Nelson Migraine Study

Nelson CF, et al. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. October 1999; Vol. 22, No. 8, pp. 517-522.

The researchers also found that in the weeks immediately following treatment, patients who had received spinal manipulation had a 42% reduction in headache frequency, compared to only 24% of those who took amtriptyline. The chiropractic group had fewer headaches even after treatment had ceased.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are one of the most common type of headache. Tension headaches are common in adults and children. When the headache occurs two or more times a week, for a few months or longer, the condition is called chronic, as in chronic headache. Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.

DULL PAIN, PRESSURE-LIKE
GENERALIZED PAIN, WORSE IN THE SCALP, TEMPLES OR BACK OF THE NECK
NOT ONE SIDED
FEELS LIKE A TIGHT BAND OR VISE ON THE HEAD
WORSENED OR TRIGGERED BY STRESS, FATIGUE, NOISE, GLARE, ETC.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES

One hundred and twenty-seven Migraine patients (at least one Migraine per month) were divided into two groups for comparison. Group 1 received chiropractic adjustments at specific vertebral subluxations determined by the treating practitioner; group 2 served as controls and received inactive treatment (electrical stimulation with no current delivered). Subjects receiving chiropractic adjustments reported substantial improvement in Migraine frequency, duration, disability, and medication use following two months of treatment. One in five participants reported a 90% reduction in Migraines, and half reported significant improvement in Migraine severity.

Are you tired of Migraine headaches ruining your day? With conventional over-the-counter medications proving less than effective (and often accompanied by dangerous side effects), it’s time to fight the pain from another angle. To find out more about the potential benefits of chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic.

Reference: Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for Migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Feb. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp91-95.http://www.masschiro.org/Research.php?topic=2&story=17

Stress Headaches

Experts believe that more than 80% of headaches are related to stress. There are two primary types of stress:

Physical (poor posture, joint dysfunction, etc.)
Psychological (work, re3lationship, deadlines, finances, etc.).

Both types of stress can cause stress headaches. Stress headaches are frequently chronic daily headaches, described as a constant dull pain or achy feeling on the side(s) of the head, around the head, temples, forehead, or behind the eyes. Stress headaches can come or go over time.

The Duke Study

McCrory DC, et al. "Evidence Report: Behavioral and Physical Treatments for Tension-type and Cervicogenic Headache." Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center, Durham, North Carolina, January 2001. Based on a literature review of several headache treatment options, a panel of 19 multidisciplinary experts concluded that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for cervicogenic headaches and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly-prescribed medication. Researchers concluded the following: "Manipulation appeared to result in immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic control. Furthermore, when compared to soft-tissue therapies (massage), a course of manipulation treatments resulted in sustained improvement in headache frequency and severity."

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches occur abruptly, usually one to four times per day over a the course of several days. Often only one side of the head or behind the eyes. Unlike migraines, they impact men more often than women.

Symptoms:

SWELLING UNDER OR AROUND THE EYES
RED EYE (ON THE AFFECTED SIDE)
FLUSHED FACE
EXCESSIVE TEARS (ON THE AFFECTED SIDE)
RUNNY NOSE OR NASAL CONGESTION
BEGINS SUDDENLY

332 patients received an average of 8.6 chiropractic adjustments. Results: 80% of patients had excellent (pain-free) and good (almost pain-free) outcomes with 10 reporting a 75% decrease in pain.

Droz JM, Crot F. Swiss Annals Vlll, 1985; 127-36

Pregnancy Headaches

Joel Alcantara, D.C. and Martine Cossette, D.C.

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 327 North Middletown Dr, Media, PA, USA.

The absence of hormone fluctuations and/or the analgesic effects of increased beta-endorphins are thought to confer improvements in headache symptoms during pregnancy. However, for a number of pregnant patients, they continue to suffer or have worsening headache symptoms. The use of pharmacotherapy for palliative care is a concern for both the mother and the developing fetus and alternative/complementary care options are sought. We present a 24-year-old gravid female with chronic migraine headaches since age 12years. Previous unsuccessful care included osteopathy, physical therapy, massage and medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication with codeine provided minor and temporary relief. Chiropractic care involving spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and adjunctive therapies resulted in symptom improvement and independence from medication. This document provides supporting evidence on the safety and possible effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients with headaches during pregnancy.

Background Lifetime prevalence of migraine headaches in women vary from 11 to 32 percent while 1-year prevalence varies from 9-22 percent. Women are three-times more likely to suffer from migraine headaches compared to men and peak during the reproductive years. Studies indicate an improvement in headaches symptoms during pregnancy due to the absence of hormone fluctuations and/or the analgesic effects of increasing ß-endorphins. Some however report worsening of symptoms regardless of non-pharmacological or pharmacological approaches. Risks of adverse events associated with medical care are of concern and are warranted. We present the successful care of a patient with intractable migraine headaches during pregnancy.

Clinical Features A 24 yr-old gravid female with chronic migraine headaches since age 12 years presented for chiropractic care. Previous care included osteopathy, physical therapy, medications and massage with unsuccessful outcome. Medical care consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication with codeine at the maximum amount permitted during a pregnancy (i.e., 1000mg per day) as well as caffeine intake through coffee to potentiate the medication. This resulted in only minor and temporary relief.

Intervention and Outcome Chiropractic adjustments characterized as high-velocity, low amplitude thrusts and the Activator Instrument were applied to sites of vertebral subluxations. No reported adverse events were associated with this type of care. Massage, trigger point therapy, increase water intake and change in sleeping posture were adjunctive care. The intensity of her migraine headaches had significantly reduced following the first three visits from pain rating of 8-9/10 to 2/10 on the verbal pain scale and attack frequency improvement from once daily to once every 3 days. This resulted in self-withdrawal and decrease dependence on medication.

Conclusion This case study provides supporting evidence on the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care during pregnancy with a chief complaint of migraine headaches.

The Effect of Spinal Manipulationin the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C. Send all comments or additions to: Frankp@chiro.org

FROM: J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997; 20 (5) Jun: 326–330

Nilsson N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J

Institute of Medical Biology (Biomechanics), Faculty of Health Science, University of Odense, Denmark

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three subjects suffering from frequent headaches who fulfilled the International Headache Society criteria for cervicogenic headache (excluding radiological criteria). These subjects were recruited from 450 headache sufferers who responded to newspaper advertisements.

INTERVENTION: After randomization, 28 of the group received high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical manipulation twice a week for 3 wk. The remaining 25 received low-level laser in the upper cervical region and deep friction massage (including trigger points) in the lower cervical/upper thoracic region, also twice a week for 3 wk.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The change from week 1 to week 5 in analgesic use per day, in headache intensity per episode and in number of headache hours per day, as registered in a headache diary.

RESULTS: The use of analgesics decreased by 36% in the manipulation group, but was unchanged in the soft-tissue group; this difference was statistically significant (p = .04, chi 2 for trend). The number of headache hours per day decreased by 69% in the manipulation group, compared with 37% in the soft-tissue group; this was significant at p = .03 (Mann-Whitney). Finally, headache intensity per episode decreased by 36% in the manipulation group, compared with 17% in the soft-tissue group; this was significant at p = .04 (Mann-Whitney).

CONCLUSION: Spinal manipulation has a significant positive effect in cases of cervicogenic headache.

Five Treatments Is All It Took

I had headaches that wouldn’t go away. Within 5 treatments the Headaches were GONE!

- Betty Y

Insurance Company Recommends Dr. Frye’s Office For Headaches

I was in a bad car accident and as a result, I had horrible headaches. Sometimes I couldn’t function at all. I would have to lay down and sleep. I tried tylenol and motrin but nothing was helping. My insurance company, Tricare, recommended that I go to Antelope Valley Spinal Care. Thanks to the staff of chiropractors and therapists, I have no more headaches. MY HEADACHES ARE GONE!

AV Spinal Care is a wonderful clinic and what truly makes it wonderful are the caring people who work there. Thanks AV Spinal Care.

- Kimberly Poyner

Week Long Headache

I had a headache that wouldn’t go away for a week. My Back was killing me. I couldn’t stand in line at the grocery store or be up right. The last two days of that week I was in bed. I went to my primary doctor and he gave me pills, took an MRI and x-ray. The pills didn’t work. I had gone to see Dr. Frye in the past and thought I try again, I was desperate. After my first adjustment I could stand, sleep and function. My headache was gone! After 2 weeks my back pain was non-existant! Thank you Dr. Frye and the staff at AV Spinal Care!

- B.Y.

Nursing A Headache

I have suffered from Headaches for the past 25 years. They have been progressively getting worse. The headaches began to affect my ability to work as a R.N. at the hospital. I thought I would never live a day without headaches. After trying a variety of drugs and medications without success, my husband encouraged me to see Dr. Frye. The care and treatment I received from Dr. Frye and her staff has given me the pleasure of going through a day without headaches!

- Cathleen McGovern R.N.

Motrin Didn’t Help

I was injured in a car accident, and suffered from headaches, neck and back pain. For over 6 months I suffered, as my doctor prescribed Motrin, which only masked the pain. My Mother-In-Law suggested I see Dr. Frye. After just a week of treatment, I was Headache Free!

- K.H.

Chiropractic Helped What Specialists Couldn’t!

For as long as I can remember I have suffered from truly unbearable headaches, but these weren’t just headaches.My ears rang constantly and my neck muscles were tight. The pain and the ringing made it difficult to even hear, light intensified the pain and almost any activity was unbearable. Nothing seemed to help; I saw 5-6 different specialists, and even tried herbal remedies and acupuncture. I never thought about seeing a Chiropractor. My wife brought home some information and I called and made an appointment. I now can do just about anything. The pain and ringing are truly gone. Thank you So Much.

- Vincent Gusman

Headaches Are Gone!

I have no more pain in my back or neck. My headaches are gone and I am able to drive, walk, sleep and go to my kids functions and play with them. I like this place, relaxing and very helpful staff.

- Rita Tapia

Headaches

“Thank heavens for chiropractic care! I suffered headaches for years until finally seeing a Chiropractor for them…” Most of the patients we see for headaches have suffered for years, taking over-the-counter painkillers or prescription drugs and even injecting themselves with Fiurinol. They’ve had MRI’s and Cat Scans, seen specialists and neurologists and too often been prescribed different or higher dosages of medication.

Treating cluster headaches, migraines, stress and/or tension headaches with medications might relieve the pain temporarily but completely fails to treat and cure the root cause of the headaches themselves. It is far better for the patient to correct the problem, when possible, then to continue building a dependence on drugs for relief.

There is another and very serious issue involved in treating pain via the use of medication – no one person reacts exactly like another to any drug. Different reactions can range from so mild as to not be noticeable to severe with life threatening results. All pharmacology is based on an average response; that is why every ad for a prescriptive drug has so many “may occurs” attached. That alone serves as a warning that there are better, safer and more effective ways to treat pain!

Because so many different issues can be the core cause for persistent or severe headaches, we strongly recommend a consultation and exam to start you on the road to a pain-free life. We don’t promise to cure all the headaches in Lancaster and Palmdale but we have helped many of your friends and neighbors say good-bye to headaches through chiropractic care. To determine if we can help you call for an appointment