Headaches and migraines can be genuinely debilitating. There are plenty of possible triggers: food, harsh chemicals, sinus pressure, or neck tension and pain. For a lot of people, it’s that last one, tension in the back of the neck from prolonged sitting, awkward sleeping, or dehydration, that quietly builds until it escalates into a full headache or migraine.
Do you get frequent headaches or migraines, or know someone who does? Take the quiz below.
The headache quiz
- Do certain positions, postures, or activities bring on your headache?
- Do your headaches tend to be one-sided (left or right)?
- Do your headaches start toward the back of your head and wrap around toward the front?
- Do you get headaches more often when you’re stressed or tense?
If you answered yes to any of these, you likely have what’s called a “cervicogenic” headache, one that originates from the neck. Most people carry tension and stress in their upper shoulders and neck. As that tension builds, muscles knot up, circulation to the area drops, pressure pulls on the spine in awkward ways, and a headache follows.
A real recovery story
We recently worked with a patient who had suffered chronic headaches and migraines for over 15 years. She had tried chiropractic adjustments, Botox injections, meditation, and prescription migraine medication, all with temporary relief at best, and her medication left her nauseated and foggy. A family member who was already a patient here referred her, and on her first visit we confirmed she had headaches we could help with. She completed her plan of care with real success, and left with a plan to keep future headaches at bay.
One exercise to try today
If you suffer from headaches, a simple “chin tuck” exercise can start loosening tension at the base of the skull. It also helps to be mindful of forward head posture, which adds extra tension to your neck and shoulders throughout the day.
If you answered yes to any of the quiz questions above, you don’t have to keep living with it. We’d be glad to screen you in the clinic to see if we can help.
Here’s to your health,
Dr. John-Mark