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Chiropractor and Physical Therapy For Tension Headaches in Charlottesville, VA

Tension headaches affect almost half of the population. 15-25% of all headaches are referred from the cervical spine and are classified as tension headache or “cervicogenic”. The pathophysiology of cervicogenic headache (CGH) is debatable, but the anatomical basis is thought to be a convergence of sensory neurons from the cervical spine and trigeminal nerve in the trigeminocervical nucleus located in the upper cervical spinal cord. This affects the muscles of the head and neck. To learn more about different types of headaches check out the International Headache Society.


Who does it affect?

The mean age for CGH is in the 40’s and the condition affects women more often than men at a rate of 4:1. CGH can be as debilitating as tension or migraine headaches, but is compounded by a loss of cervical spine function. CGH is common in patients who have experienced trauma, especially a motor vehicle accident or an earlier concussion. The condition is more common in weightlifters.

Symptoms

CGH patients present with neck tenderness and stiffness. By definition, CGH is unilateral without side shift, but in some cases, the condition may present bilaterally. Moderate to severe pain may begin in the cervical spine and progressively affect the occipital, temporal, frontal or supraorbital regions. In some instances, the pain may affect the ipsilateral arm. Episodes of pain may last hours to days. The characteristic continuous, fluctuating pain is described as deep but generally not throbbing. Symptoms may be triggered or reproduced by sustained or awkward cervical spine postures.


Clinicians should be alert to findings that suggest a more threatening diagnosis including: headaches that are becoming progressively worse over time, sudden onset severe headaches, new and unfamiliar headache, cervicogenic headache, headache following recent head injury, presence of fever, significant neck stiffness, rash, nuchal rigidity, facial numbness or paresthesia , vertigo, diplopia, drop attacks, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, difficulty walking, nausea, extremity numbness or nystagmus.


The American Headache Society endorses the acronym “SNOOP” to identify worrisome headache red flags:


  • Systemic symptoms: fever, weight loss, or the presence of systemic risk factors (i.e. cancer, HIV).
  • Neurologic signs: confusion, impaired alertness, or consciousness.
  • Onset: sudden or abrupt headaches that develop and peak very quickly.
  • Older: new headaches in patients over 50 (Giant cell arteritis, aka temporal arteritis)
  • Previous headache history: any new headache that deviates significantly from a prior pattern of frequency, severity, and clinical features.


Is imaging necessary?

Although radiography, advanced imaging and lab tests may be needed to identify alternate diagnoses, their value is non-confirmatory and is of limited value for CGH patients. MRI has shown no demonstrable anatomic difference between CGH patients and asymptomatic subjects, including an equal prevalence of cervical disc lesions.


Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnostic considerations for tension headaches include: “posterior fossa tumor, Arnold-Chiari malformation, cervical spondylosis, herniated intervertebral disc, spinal nerve compression or tumor, arteriovenous malformation, vertebral artery dissection, and spinal tumors”. Patients who are experiencing the early signs of VBAI may present with symptoms that mimic CGH. Clinicians should be attentive for other VBAI signs or symptoms.

Treatment – Massage or Chiropractor for Tension Headache?

The successful management of tension headache patients requires a multifaceted approach. Since CGH results from upper cervical joint dysfunction, spinal manipulation (cervical and upper thoracic) is a cornerstone of treatment. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for CGH. Manipulation has been shown to be more effective than mobilization for pain of cervical origin. One randomized controlled trial demonstrated that 6-8 of SMT sessions produced good outcomes. Clinicians should assess for and treat associated restrictions in the lower cervical and thoracic regions as well.


Myofascial release and/or stretching may be needed in the suboccipital, SCM, upper trapezius, levator, scalenes, pectoral and temporalis muscles. Fascial adhesions in the connection between the suboccipital region and cervical dura may restrict normal upper cervical motion and may be released with IASTM. Caution should be exercised to avoid additional trauma to the greater occipital nerve as it emerges from the suboccipital region.


The combination of manipulation and an ongoing physical conditioning program has shown benefit for CGH patients. Postural correction may be necessary for “upper crossed syndrome” and breathing exercises are appropriate for those with dysfunctional respiration. Researchers have demonstrated benefit from a variety of neck and shoulder girdle strengthening including:

  • deep neck flexion,
  • craniocervical flexion,
  • shoulder abduction,
  • shoulder retraction,
  • lat pull-downs ,
  • biceps curls,
  • bent-over rows,
  • upper thoracic mobilization, and
  • various pectoral strengthening.

Take a look at this video on how to strengthen your deep neck flexors.

Although some patients report palliative relief of CGH symptoms with NSAIDS, medical management of CGH is generally ineffective. Occipital nerve blocks (greater or lesser) are commonly used for treatment of tension-type headache- with anecdotal support but a paucity of quality evidence.

Book a Chiropractor or Physical Therapy for Tension Headaches Consultation

We offer: physical therapy exercises for tension headaches,  physical therapy headache treatment, physical therapy headaches neck pain, therapy for tension headaches, a chiropractor for tension headaches, and physical therapy exercises for headaches.


We also address your questions like “Can chiropractic help with tension headaches?”, “What is better for tension headaches massage or chiropractor?”, “Can a chiropractor help with neck tension and headaches?”, “Can physical therapy help with tension headaches?”, “How do you get rid of tension headaches fast?” and “What exercises get rid of tension headaches?”


Do you have tension headaches in Charlottesville? Give us a call and see if we can help. (434)293-3800

Book a Chiropractor or Physical Therapy for Tension Headaches Consultation

We offer: physical therapy exercises for tension headaches,  physical therapy headache treatment, physical therapy headaches neck pain, therapy for tension headaches, a chiropractor for tension headaches, and physical therapy exercises for headaches.


We also address your questions like “Can chiropractic help with tension headaches?”, “What is better for tension headaches massage or chiropractor?”, “Can a chiropractor help with neck tension and headaches?”, “Can physical therapy help with tension headaches?”, “How do you get rid of tension headaches fast?” and “What exercises get rid of tension headaches?”


Do you have tension headaches in Charlottesville? Give us a call and see if we can help. (434)293-3800

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