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.
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)
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