Many people are starting to realize how common headaches truly are. Roughly 70-75% of men and over 80% of women experience headaches within a year. Moreover, between 5-10% of Americans are on a quest for effective headache relief at any moment. With such significant numbers, understanding headaches is both crucial and relevant for many.
When we talk about headaches, we refer to any uneasiness experienced from the forehead to the base of the neck, excluding the face below the eyebrows. This specific region is primarily affected by nerves such as the second cervical sensory root and the greater occipital nerve, as well as the first branches of the trigeminal nerves.
Our grasp on what truly causes headaches and head pain is still basic. While health is a broad topic, nothing is as complicated as understanding the sources of pain. It’s hard because pain feels different for everyone and is challenging to quantify objectively.
Understanding head pain can be like solving a puzzle due to its many possible causes. Over time, experts have outlined several types of headaches, placing a spotlight on causes like organic and blood vessel problems. However, it’s important to note that a headache can stem from various sources, and often they involve direct pressure on pain-sensitive tissues, traction or stretches, inflammation, or swelling, blood vessel-related issues, fever, or toxic reaction to drugs, muscle contraction, or spasm, and even our body’s automatic responses to environment changes.
Why Do Some Doctors Say ‘It’s All in Your Head’?
At times, when you’re told, “It’s all in your head,” it might sound dismissive. But when diving into the world of headaches, there’s more complexity than meets the eye. A headache can be a sign of emotional stress like anxiety, daily life challenges, or even deeper health issues.
Fundamentally, pain can be seen as a unique emotional response, often brought on by chemical or structural changes in our body tissues. These changes spark activity in specific parts of our nervous system, which usually stay dormant. The variations we feel in pain can arise from a mix of psychological factors, physical reflexes, and even hormonal shifts.
In simpler terms, here’s how pain works: tiny nerve endings in our head and neck get stimulated. Mild stimuli might feel like light pressure, but intense ones, especially chemicals from injured tissues, get interpreted as pain.
For instance, some patients might complain of severe pain even if there doesn’t seem to be a significant issue, while others might note improvements in their health that don’t seem to match up with their pain levels. It’s essential to understand that while pain can arise from actual physical harm or ‘nociceptive input’, the emotional distress it brings is a separate matter.
The Relationship Between the Head Pain and Cervical Spine
There are many types of headaches, from those that originate from the neck (cervicogenic) to ones linked to eye issues (ocular). There are also headaches associated with specific nerves, like the Greater Occipital Neuralgia headache, or those following injury (posttraumatic). And, of course, there is the alarming brain tumor headache.
Lately, there’s a buzzing interest in the role our cervical spine (that’s the upper part of our spine) plays in causing head pain. When people have head pain that starts from the neck, it’s often just called a “tension” headache. But there are many reasons someone might have this pain. It could be from overworking muscles in a job, injuries, worn-out joints, tight muscles, being born with certain conditions, arthritis, and more. All these issues can mess with the muscles and joints in the neck.
How Does The Upper Cervical Spine Affect Headache?
The upper cervical spine, which consists of the first two vertebrae (C1 or the atlas and C2 or the axis), has a unique anatomy and function that distinguishes it from the other vertebrae. It plays a pivotal role in the movement of the head and has close anatomical relations with the nervous system, spinal cord, and blood vessels.
Here’s a breakdown of its impact:
- Nervous System & Spinal Cord:
- Proximity to Brainstem: The upper cervical spine is in close proximity to the brainstem. Any misalignment or injury in this region can potentially affect the function of the brainstem and, by extension, the functions it controls.
- Spinal Canal: The vertebral foramina (openings in the vertebrae) in the upper cervical area are larger than in other regions, as they house the transition from the brainstem to the spinal cord. Any changes or injuries in this region can impinge or compress the spinal cord, affecting neurological functions downstream.
- Suboccipital Muscles: These muscles at the base of the skull and top of the neck are rich in proprioceptive nerve endings. They play a role in postural reflexes and our sense of balance.
- Neck Spine:
- Mobility: The unique anatomy of C1 and C2 allows for a large range of motion, particularly rotation. This movement is crucial for turning the head side to side. If there’s dysfunction in this region, it can restrict movement and cause pain.
- Stability: Despite its mobility, the upper cervical spine is also a point of stability for the head. Ligaments like the transverse ligament of atlas keep the vertebrae in place. Damage or laxity in these ligaments can lead to instability, potentially harming the spinal cord or leading to pain.
- Blood Vessels:
- Vertebral Artery: This artery passes through the vertebrae in the cervical spine to supply blood to specific parts of the brain. In the upper cervical area, especially at the atlas (C1), the vertebral artery courses around the bone and heads upward. Any extreme movements, injuries, or anatomical changes in this region can affect blood flow, potentially leading to vertebrobasilar insufficiency or other complications.
While the upper cervical spine plays an essential role in these functions, it’s crucial to understand that issues or dysfunctions in this area don’t automatically lead to the problems mentioned above. However, any symptoms or concerns related to neck pain, headaches, or other neurological issues should be discussed with health care professionals to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment.
How does NUCCA Chiropractor help with headaches and head pain?
NUCCA Chiropractors specialize in the precise adjustment and alignment of the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas and axis vertebrae. Their unique and detailed approach targets the delicate balance of this region. By restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical spine, these specialists can reduce nerve compression and improve blood flow, which often addresses the root cause of many headaches and head pain.
Moreover, this precise correction can enhance the body’s innate ability to heal, thereby offering relief not just from pain but potentially from a range of related symptoms. Many patients have found significant relief from chronic headaches and migraines after undergoing adjustments from NUCCA Chiropractors. Their specialized focus ensures that the complexities of this critical spinal region are thoroughly understood and appropriately treated.
References:
Vernon, Howard, editor. Upper Cervical Syndrome: Chiropractic Diagnosis and Treatment. Williams & Wilkins, 1988.
