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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 Migraines and Cervicogenic Headaches.
West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Migraines, Cranial Parasympathetic Nerve Reactions, and the Facial Nerve
First, the cranial parasympathetic nerve reactions occurs between neurons (nerve cells) in the pons (part of brainstem that links brain and spinal cord). Accordingly, 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.
Second, this is regulated through your head and neck’s autonomic nervous system. And this is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes. Lastly, this is referred to as the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. Moreover, this may be overstimulated in persons with cluster and migraine headaches.
Third, another structure involved in migraine headaches is the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a branch of the facial nerve. The SPG apparently contains a small percentage of trigeminal fibers (cranial nerve V). It appears that the SPG may start vasodilation of cerebral blood flow when the trigeminal ganglion is stimulated. And 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.
Fourth, Scientists propose that chiropractic manipulation to these areas relieves headaches.
West Palm Beach Chiropractor: The Science Behind Migraines and Dopamine
Additionally, Scientist looked at the relationship between dopamine and migraine. And Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. This is a chemical messenger in the brain. It plays a crucial role in bodily functions: reward system, movement, attention and focus, mood.
In one study, they assumed that depression and pain is caused by an imbalance or a deficiency of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Also, they found long-term relief for chronic headaches. In conclusion, Chiropractic adjustments can trigger the release of endorphins such as dopamine. Endorphins are natural, feel-good chemicals produced by the body. They act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
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 used(1). Also, a 2011 JMPT study found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can improve migraine and cervicogenic headaches. (2)
West Palm Beach Chiropractor : 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 Migraines and Cervicogenic Headaches.
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