How Headaches Happen
With over two hundred different types of headaches, it can be difficult to diagnose which one a person is suffering from. The brain has no nerves. Therefore, head pain originates in the nerves and muscles of the head, neck, and spinal cord. The brain itself cannot feel pain. This means that when the sinuses, eyes, and ears become irritated or inflamed, head pain can be the result. The type of headache that causes facial pain is called cranial neuralgia.
What is Cranial Neuralgia?
Neuralgia means nerve pain. Cranial neuralgia refers to a group of headaches that come about due to inflammation of one of the twelve nerves in the head and upper neck that are responsible for sensation. Headaches that induce facial pain are included. The following conditions can lead to facial pain:
- Nervus intermedius neuralgia
- Supraorbital neuralgia
- Neck-tongue syndrome
- Optic neuritis
- Tolosa-Hunt syndrome
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
- Nasociliary neuralgia
- Occipital neuralgia
- Ophthalmologic migraine
- Cold-Stimulus Headache
- Head or facial pain caused by herpes zoster
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Other terminal branch neuralgia
- External compression headache
- Ocular diabetic neuropathy
Why Does It Happen?
The cranial nerves run through the spinal column. If a misalignment has occurred in the upper cervical spine, made up of the top two bones of the vertebrae, it can be putting pressure on these nerves. Compression, irritation, or distortion of this area causes the body’s communication system to malfunction. When improper signals are sent to and from the brain and body, many health problems are the end result, including facial pain and numerous kinds of headaches. The pain may go away for a time, but it will probably return if the nerve damage is not taken care of. The best way to care for the nerves and spine is to see a professional, such as an upper cervical chiropractor.
We will be happy to examine the neck for misalignment and work with each patient to find the best course of treatment. Adjustments are only given as needed. Once the misalignment is corrected, healing begins, and communication is restored. This can lead to fewer headaches and facial pain.
Reference:
http://www.medicinenet.com/headache/page3.htm
To find an upper cervical specialist in your area go to http://www.NUCCA.org/ or if you are in the Chicago, Illinois area click the button below to schedule a consultation:
Want to hear from people like you? Check out our reviews here.
Dr. Young Chung of NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, with a location in Chicago and a 2nd location in Wheeling is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves Northbrook, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, whiplash injuries, post-concussion syndrome. This type of care has also shown benefits for athletic performance and pregnancy outcomes. More information can be found on our website at http://www.NUCCAwellnessChicago.com/
