Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic (originating in neck) headaches.  However, researchers have many theories.  There are studies to explain beyond the “vascular dilation” and “muscle contraction” theories.  This post is about  West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches, Part II.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches and the Cranial Parasympathetic Nerve Reactions

Firstly, cranial parasympathetic nerve reactions occurs between neurons (nerve cells) in the pons. The pons is that part of your brainstem that links your brain and spinal cord. And this parasympathetic output is part of the nervous system that slows the heart, dilates blood vessels, decreases pupil size, increases digestive juices, and relaxes muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. So the parasympathetic nervous system controls the body’s ability to relax.

Secondly, this is regulated through your head and neck’s autonomic nervous system.  And the autonomic nervous system is a component of the nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion).

Thirdly, this is referred to as the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. And the trigeminocervical nucleus is a continuous column of neurons that is part of this reflex. This is formed by the caudal (back) end of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and the dorsal (back) horn of the upper cervical spinal nerves (C1-C3). In other words, it is formed by nerves C1-C3 in your neck and cranial nerve 5. As a consequence, the result may be either referral to the head and face from irritation in the neck. Interestingly, the trigeminal-autonomic reflex may be overstimulated in persons with cluster and migraine headaches.

Fourthly, scientists propose that chiropractic manipulation to these areas relieves headaches.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches and Dopamine

Scientist looked at the relationship between dopamine and migraine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter.  Specifically, it is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions.  Moreover, these functions include the “reward system”, movement, attention/ focus, and mood.  Finally, some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments can improve mood and reduce pain, potentially by releasing dopamine and serotonin.

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches involving Anatomical Structures

First, the Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) is a group of nerve cells, a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Second, the SPG is located behind the nose.  Third, it carries information about sensation (e.g. pain).  Fourth, the SPG plays a role in autonomic functions.  And this includes tearing and nasal congestion.  Fifth, the SPG is implicated in starting and controlling  headaches. Finally, the SPG is linked to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), the main cranial nerve involved in headaches. Indeed, the SPG apparently contains a small percentage of trigeminal nerve fibers.  

 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches and Research

As noted above, Scientists are looking at the connection between the nervous system and headaches. 

A 2014 report in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) found that interventions commonly used in chiropractic care improved outcomes for the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain and an increased benefit was shown in several instances where a multimodal approach to neck pain had been used¹. Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can improve migraine and cervicogenic headaches.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic for Headaches

Our spectrum of therapies at Meiri Chiropractic  including adjustments, soft tissue techniques and therapeutic exercises (stretching and strengthening) will get you feeling better!

Your chiropractor will examine, diagnose and determine your best course of chiropractic treatment for headaches . Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment.   Start getting headache relief today! And check back for the next post: West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches, Part III.

 

References:

^{1. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014; 37: 42-63.
2. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011; 34: 274-89.}

3. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 

Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic (originating in neck) headaches.  However, researchers have many theories.  There are studies to explain beyond the “vascular dilation” and “muscle contraction” theories.  This post is about  West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches, Part I.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches Involving Serotonin and Sensory Input

Apparently, a neurologic event occurs associated with an imbalance of serotonin during headaches. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that works with bodily functions.  This includes mood, sleep, appetite, anxiety, digestion, and sexual desire. So too little or too much serotonin may contribute to headaches.  And it matters where it occurs. Typically, too little serotonin in your central nervous system is the primary cause of headaches.

Moreover, increased local vascular concentrations of serotonin may be part of an inflammatory cascade.  These inflammatory chemicals  include substance P. Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord.  It plays a role in transmitting pain signals.  Ultimately, a neurogenic (originating from nervous system) vascular inflammation results.  Truly there are numerous chemical reactions causing headaches.

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches involving Sensory Input and Skull structures

Firstly, dysfunction of brain stem control of various sensory input could be a major factor for headaches. For example, parts of the cranial (skull) blood vessels and the dura (membrane covering the brain) may be dysfunctioning. These are innervated (supplied) by the trigeminal nerve (5^th cranial nerve). This nerve plays a crucial role in providing sensory and motor functions to your face and head. 

Secondly, posterior fossa structures (back of the skull) are innervated by the C2 (neck spinal nerve 2) nerve roots. Next, input from the trigeminal-innervated structures pass through a group of nerve cells called trigeminal ganglion.  These synapse in the trigeminocervical nucleus (cranial nerve 5 and neck complex). Information is then sent through the spinal cord nerve tract called the trigeminothalamic tract.  And this is after decussating (crossing over) in the brainstem.

Thirdly, control of this nociceptive (sensation of pain) information is believed to come from various brainstem nerve cell bodies. Therefore, the convergence of afferent (incoming) information come from cervical spinal nerves. Next, together with the trigeminal nerve in the trigeminocervical nucleus may serve to explain a referred pain mechanism. 

West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches involving Anatomical Structures

Anatomically, the trigeminocervical nucleus is a continuous column of neurons.  This is formed by the caudal (back) end of the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve and the dorsal (back) horn of the upper cervical spinal nerves (C1-C3). In other words, it is formed by nerves C1-C3 in your neck and cranial nerve 5.  As a consequence, the result may be either referral to the head and face from irritation in the neck.  And/ or referral of neck pain from dysfunction of intracranial pain-sensitive structures (e.g., intracerebral blood vessels causing head pain). Therefore, structures innervated by CI-C3 including C2-C3 intervertebral disk annular fibers, deep muscles, joints, ligaments, and connections to the dura mater may be sources of referred pain to the head. Scientists propose that chiropractic manipulation to these areas relieves headaches.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic for Headaches

 

Our spectrum of therapies at Meiri Chiropractic  including adjustments, soft tissue techniques and therapeutic exercises (stretching and strengthening) will get you feeling better!

Your chiropractor will examine, diagnose and determine your best course of chiropractic treatment for headaches . Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment.   Start getting headache relief today and check back for the next post: West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Headaches, Part II.

 

References:

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 

 

Headaches are troublesome to you.  You may loose time from your work and social life. Financially, it causes a burden on your wallet and the health care system.  They say almost $14 billion is lost annually due to loss of productivity.  A research study found that headaches effect your quality of life more than other conditions such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), hypertension and diabetes. Moreover, even children experience a decrease in their quality of life due to headaches.  It has been said that up to 12% of children ages 5 to 15 and 30% of teenagers experience migraine headaches. Furthermore, women report more headaches than men.  And statistics show over 35 million Americans have suffered from migraine headaches.

Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Facts about Headaches

Firstly, headaches are one of the most common ailments.  Many link their headaches to the flu, excessive alcohol drinking, low blood sugar and menstruation/menopause.  In other words, many people are aware of the cause of their headaches.

Secondly, many people resort to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Truly, headaches may be the most common reason for the use of OTC pain medications.  

Thirdly, when a person goes to the doctor it is due to severe pain. The headache has become incapacitating (affecting work/life).  Also, you may be worried that there maybe a life-threatening cause (e.g. tumor).

Fourthly, you may seek evaluation and treatment after head trauma. Additionally, headaches are often a complaint following whiplash (e.g. motor vehicle accident).

Lastly, almost 50 percent of people with headaches look for alternative management. And Chiropractic care was the most common alternative therapy sought by these patients.

Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Natural Treatment/Management of Headaches

The vast majority of headaches are benign (not life threatening).   The most common include: migraine, tension-type, cervicogenic and cluster headaches. Typically, patients are diagnosed through their history and examination.  Nevertheless, imaging (e.g. X-ray/ MRI) may be needed to rule out more serious causes.

Research indicates a definite relationship between cervical (neck) and spinal dysfunction and headaches. Many studies show improvement with chiropractic manipulation.  And there is definite advantages with chiropractic versus the use of medication. For example, the Duke University study that completed a process begun by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for chiropractic.   So this study not only supported chiropractic joint manipulation, but also supported soft tissue procedures/ techniques for headache relief.

Other natural therapies suggested in research are: exercise, nutritional/supplement recommendation, and physiotherapy.

 

Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic for Headaches

Our spectrum of therapies at Meiri Chiropractic will get you feeling better!

First, you will receive  chiropractic adjustments to your neck and spine.  Second, various soft tissue techniques and exercises (stretching and strengthening) will be provided.  Third, recommendations on diet and nutrition that trigger headaches are necessary. 

Meiri Chiropractic serving West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach and the surrounding areas offers chiropractic care for headaches. Your chiropractor will examine, diagnose and determine your best course of chiropractic treatment for headaches . Call us in West Palm Beach at 561-253-8984 to schedule an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractic Care in West Palm Beach: Relief From Headaches.  Start getting headache relief today.

 

References:

Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor

 

 

Did you know Chiropractors treat nonspinal joints such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)? Applying manual hands on care and procedures to the nonspinal/peripheral joints is a special skill.  And this skill is taught in all accredited chiropractic schools.

Irritation to the TMJ structures can cause symptoms such as ear pain, tinnitus, vertigo, subjective (patient’s perception) hearing loss, hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound), tongue pain, and muscle pain.

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Temporomandibular Joint pain (TMJ) Anatomy

The TMJ is composed of:

–Synovial cavity– space between the bones in a synovial joint that’s filled with synovial fluid (nourishing thick fluid).

–Articular cartilage– specialized type of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints.  It provides a smooth surface for joint movement.

-Articular capsule– fibrous connective tissue encloses the joint capsule

–Several ligaments- ligament is a band of tissue that connects bones and joints. Ligaments hold the TMJ in place and help move it properly.

–Disk- articular fibrocartilaginous structure located between the mandible (jaw bone) and the temporal bone (sides of skull).

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Problems with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

TMJ problems can be due to developmental abnormalities, intracapsular diseases, and dysfunctional conditions:

-Developmental abnormalities include hypoplasia/hyperplasia (under or over development of TMJ)

-Impingements (pinching) of the various TMJ structures (e.g. coronoid process, synovial fold)

-Ossification (calcification) of TMJ ligaments (e.g. stylohyoid ligament; Eagle syndrome).

-Intracapsular (located within a capsule) diseases (e.g. disk adhesions/displacements, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infections, and gout)

Certainly, chiropractic can be helpful for the conditions above.  However, chiropractic excels in treatments of extracapsular (outside the capsule) conditions.  Indeed, these include myofascial pain syndromes and muscular imbalance.  Moreover, even capsular sprain, hypomobility (decreased movement), and hypermobility (increased movement) can be relieved through chiropractic care.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ) and the Cervical Spine (Neck)

There are definite clinical relationships between neck pain, headache, orofacial (mouth and face) pain, and abnormalities of chewing and swallowing. For example, a dysfunction in the TMJ and the atlanto-occipital (C0 and C1 joint) joint connection can cause head and neck pain.

Firstly, a biomechanical relationship exists between the cervical (neck) spinal segments and movements of the TMJ.  

Secondly, tension in the deep cervical (neck) fascia (three-dimensional matrix of loose connective tissue) that surrounds bone, muscle, visceral organs, and skin can cause TMJ dysfunction.  This is because the fascia helps to shape and support your TMJ.

Thirdly, activity of the hyoid (U-shaped bone in the neck) bone muscles play a part in TMJ health. So the hyoid bone moves during respiration, mastication, swallowing, and phonation.  These are functions affected by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Fourthly, structures of the shoulder girdle can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.

Lastly, postural stresses, muscle tone, malocclusion/dysfunction of the teeth can affect the TMJ.

 

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Treatment for TMJ at Meiri Chiropractic

First, spinal adjustments to your neck and manipulation/mobilization to the TMJ and cranium (skull). Second, muscle stretching and soft tissue therapy, along with exercise, the use of modalities (i.e. heat therapy, electric muscle stimulation) and rehabilitation/ home exercises as necessary. Third, postural advice/ recommendations.

 

Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ)

Do you have TMJ pain or dysfunction? Call 561-253-8984 today to make an appointment or to find out more about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ).