Headaches, Migraine, TMJ & Whiplash

Less than 5% of headaches are actually related to disease processes.  The most common headache is an isolated headache, meaning it is the primary issue. These types include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.  Most are cervicogenic, meaning directly and indirectly related to misalignments of the bones of the neck (vertebrae), causing tensions in muscles, irritated nerves, and more, often caused by stress, bad posture, prolonged use of computers and electronic devices, repetitive work. These usually started from the back of the neck, back of the head, often one sided, radiates to the temple or side of the head and behind one eye.

 

We have helped thousands of patients over the years with these types.  The other kinds are not spine related but instead related to sinus infections, hormones, and possibly side effects of medications.  Contact us now to get started.

A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain that typically occurs on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light + sound, and fatigue.  The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but there seems to be a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Some potential triggers include: 
Hormonal changes (especially in women), certain foods (e.g., chocolate, caffeine, alcohol),  lack of sleep or sleep disturbances, bright lights or loud noises, and physical exertion.

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Not all migraines can be helped with chiropractic care but many have been helped by our gentle effective care to their spine and nervous system which relieves irritation to the upper neck nerves and blood vessels, which helped reduce their migraine frequency and sensitivity.  

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TMJ pain, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), is a condition that affects the joints and muscles around the jaw.  It can cause: 

• Pain in the jaw, face, or neck

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Headaches

• Earaches​

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Over the years we have worked with general dentists, pediatric dentists and orthodontists to ensure our mutual patients mandible (jaw bone) is in the correct alignment as well as the neck bones (vertebrae) where neck muscles are attached to.  When jaw or neck is misaligned, bite will be off, neck muscles will be more tense on one side, leading to more jaw pain, headaches, bite issues and more.  

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Even among newborn babies and toddlers with tongue ties or lip ties, their speech pathologists and pediatric dentists often referred them to our doctor(s) weeks before their ties removed and the weeks after, to ensure the procedure succeed and things will heal in proper alignment and prevent unnecessary revisions.

Whiplash neck, also known as cervical whiplash, is a common injury that occurs when the neck is jerked backward and then forward, in a sudden forceful movement.  The muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck can be stretched or torn.  It is common in rear-end car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and physical abuse. In many cases, people did not notice pain until one or two weeks following the accident.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands

• Shoulder pain

• Difficulty moving the head 

• Sleep disturbances / insomnia

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If you were involved in a car accident, contact us right away.  In most cases, you are covered 100% and can receive treatments right away so your spine, muscles, ligaments, joints will heal quickly before scar tissue sets in and before new bad muscle memory are programmed in. 

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Click here to learn more about Personal Injury and how we can help you get well again.

Duke University Evidence Report in 2001 by McCrory, M.D.: “Patients with HEADACHES improved best with chiropractic care compared to acupuncture, painkillers, amytriptyline drugs (Elavil, Endep), exercise, surgery, TENS unit, stress therapy."

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A Swedish study on 199 children aged 7 to 14 years, with at least one episode of headache per week for the previous 6 months found that chiropractic care resulted in significantly fewer days with headaches.  Lynge et al. Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, C&MT 2021 Jan 7.

 

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulation & Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

 

Another randomized clinical trial by Macquarie University in Australia studied people who have had migraines all their lives and found that over one-fifth of the participants were reported more than 90% reduction of migraines by chiropractic care. Approximately 50% more participants reported significant improvement in the morbidity of each episode.

Chiropractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines.  

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If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms below, please call our office now to schedule an appointment.  

Lawrenceburg: 502-839-7171.  

Lexington 859-303-7000.

  

• THROBBING PULSATING NECK PAIN

• THROBBING HEADACHE

• FEELS LIKE A TIGHT BAND OR VISE ON THE HEAD

• CAUSE SLEEP DISTURBANCES / LACK OF SLEEP / TOSS AND TURN

• VERTIGO / DIZZINESS

• NAUSEA

• FATIGUE

• LOSS OF APPETITE

• NECK PAIN THAT RADIATES UPWARD TO BACK OF HEAD OR TEMPLE INTO BACK OF EYE(S) OR FOREHEAD, LASTING 6 TO 48 HOURS.