Could Cervicogenic Headaches Be the Hidden Cause of Your Pain?

Posted on September 29, 2024October 1, 2024 by ucm

Do you feel like your headaches start in your neck and radiate up to your head? Have conventional treatments left you with only temporary Fort Wayne migraine relief? If you’re in Fort Wayne, IN, and facing this frustrating experience, cervicogenic headaches could be the root cause of your discomfort. Understanding this type of headache is key to uncovering effective, lasting solutions.

Learn more about cervicogenic headaches and how you can potentially improve your symptoms and lessen the frequency of your episodes with Fort Wayne migraine chiropractic care.

Key Takeaways: Understanding Neck-Related Headaches And How A Chiropractor For Migraine In Fort Wayne Can Help

Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine, often caused by misalignment or tension in the neck.
Common triggers include poor posture, excessive screen time, and injuries such as whiplash or sports-related trauma.
Relief strategies include Fort Wayne migraine chiropractic care, postural correction, and lifestyle adjustments.
Preventing cervicogenic headaches involves maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and managing neck tension.

What Exactly Are Cervicogenic Headaches? Understanding the Neck-Headache Connection

Cervicogenic headaches are a unique type of headache that originates from problems in the neck. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, these headaches are caused by cervical spine issues. The pain usually starts in the neck and moves upward, often affecting one side of the head, neck, or face. Though commonly overlooked, cervicogenic headaches impact many people, especially those with sedentary jobs or poor posture.

What Causes Cervicogenic Headache? Uncovering the Hidden Triggers

A cervicogenic headache doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. The root of the pain often lies in the neck, especially in the upper cervical spine, where even minor issues can ripple up and cause debilitating headaches. From spinal misalignments to everyday habits, the triggers for these headaches are varied but often overlooked. Let’s dive into the most common culprits and how they might be affecting you.

The Anatomy of Pain: How Your Neck Can Cause Headaches

At the heart of many cervicogenic headaches is upper cervical spine dysfunction. This may sound complex, but it essentially means that a misalignment or problem in the upper neck irritates nerves, sending waves of pain into your head. This isn’t just a minor annoyance—these headaches can become chronic and life-altering if left untreated.

Another hidden contributor is neck muscle tension. If you’re constantly dealing with tightness in your neck and shoulders, you’re putting strain on your cervical spine daily. Over time, this can lead to headaches that start in your neck and creep into your daily life. This tension can stem from stress, poor posture, or simply from how we hold ourselves while working or relaxing.

Are Your Habits Making It Worse?

We all have habits that may seem harmless but can profoundly impact our health. Poor posture is one of the most common triggers of cervicogenic headaches. Whether you’re slumped over a desk or hunching while scrolling through your phone, these positions put tremendous strain on your neck. Over time, this strain can disrupt the alignment of your cervical spine, leading to those headaches that just won’t quit.

Another major contributor is excessive screen time. We’re all guilty of spending hours in front of our computers or phones, but this habit is wreaking havoc on our necks. Leaning forward to focus on a screen forces your neck into unnatural positions, creating the perfect storm for tension and misalignment—both of which are triggers for cervicogenic headaches.

Injuries: The Lingering Cause You Didn’t See Coming

Sometimes, the cause of your headaches isn’t what you’re doing now but what happened to you in the past. Whiplash injuries, often caused by car accidents, are a common source of cervicogenic headaches. Even after you think you’ve healed, the trauma to your cervical spine can leave lasting misalignments that trigger headaches long after the accident.

Similarly, sports-related injuries can result in neck trauma that leads to chronic headaches. Whether it’s a tackle during a football game or a fall during a run, neck injuries can knock your spine out of alignment, leaving you with persistent headaches that seem unrelated to the original injury.

Is This a Cervicogenic Headache? Key Symptoms and How It’s Diagnosed

Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches that worsen with neck movement. You might also feel tenderness at the base of your skull or even experience shoulder and arm pain. Proper diagnosis, which may involve physical exams and imaging tests, is crucial to ensure the right treatment plan, as cervicogenic headaches differ from other types.

Finding Fort Wayne IN Migraine Relief: Effective Strategies for Easing Cervicogenic Headaches

Non-Invasive Solutions You Can Start Today

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: Dr. Emily Staples specializes in gentle adjustments that target the root cause of cervicogenic headaches—misalignments in the upper cervical spine. These precise adjustments relieve nerve pressure and improve neck function.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around your neck and improving posture can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Postural Correction: Learning proper posture habits, particularly while working or using electronics, can help ease the strain on your neck.

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Make a Big Difference

Ergonomic Adjustments: Small changes in your workstation setup can relieve stress on your neck muscles.
Exercise and Stretching: Regular neck exercises and stretches can help prevent tension from building up, promoting overall spinal health.

Preventing Future Headaches: Practical Tips for Everyday Life

Prevention is key to avoiding cervicogenic headaches. Maintain good posture while sitting and standing, incorporate regular exercise to keep your neck muscles strong, and practice stress management to avoid tension build-up in your neck and shoulders. These simple habits can go a long way in reducing the frequency of headaches.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help You Break Free from Headache Pain

At Atlas Chiropractic, Dr. Emily Staples offers a specialized, patient-centered approach to addressing cervicogenic headaches. With a focus on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine, this care can relieve nerve pressure and restore balance to your neck. Many patients report experiencing fewer headaches, improved mobility, and a better overall quality of life.

Dr. Staples will assess your posture and neck function during your visit and develop a personalized care plan to help restore balance in your atlas and axis. If you’re seeking relief from neck-related headaches, our migraine chiropractor in Fort Wayne can help. Schedule your consultation with Atlas Chiropractic today!

FAQs About Cervicogenic Headaches

How can I tell if my headache is cervicogenic?

Cervicogenic headaches often start with neck pain or stiffness, with discomfort that may worsen when moving the neck. The pain is usually one-sided and may extend to the shoulders or upper back. If traditional headache treatments haven’t worked, you may be dealing with a cervicogenic headache.

What causes cervicogenic headaches?

These headaches can be triggered by several factors, including poor posture, upper cervical spine misalignment, neck muscle tension, whiplash injuries, and prolonged screen time. Understanding the underlying cause is key to finding effective Fort Wayne migraine relief.

When should I see a chiropractor for cervicogenic headaches?

If you’ve been experiencing frequent headaches that seem linked to neck pain or if traditional headache treatments haven’t been effective, it’s time to consult a chiropractor for migraine in Fort Wayne. A thorough evaluation can help pinpoint the cause and provide a customized care plan.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Staples, call our Fort Wayne office at (260) 308-5226. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

Stop Top-of-Head Pain and Live Your Best Life

Posted on March 10, 2024March 11, 2024 by ucm

head pain, migraine relief in Fort Wayne IN, Fort Wayne Chiropractor, Fort Wayne Migraine Chiropractic Care

Have migraines ever cast a shadow over your favorite hobbies, making it challenging to engage in activities you once found joy in? How did it feel when your migraine attack robbed you of the opportunity to pursue an outdoor activity you’ve been looking forward to? Have your attacks ever forced you to miss out on social gatherings or events, making you feel disconnected from your interests and community?

If you enjoy creative hobbies like painting, writing, or crafting, have migraines ever stifled your creative flow and made it difficult to express yourself? What’s your go-to migraine relief in Fort Wayne IN? Do migraines bring you headaches on top of your head? Do you know what’s causing them?

The causes of headaches on top of the head vary, ranging from tension headaches and migraines to more unusual types like cold-stimulus headaches and post-concussion headaches. Each has unique triggers and symptoms.

Different Types of Headaches

Headaches on the top of the head vary in intensity and sensation. Identifying the type is crucial for finding lasting migraine relief in Fort Wayne IN.

1. Tension Headaches

A common cause, tension headaches manifest as a dull, aching sensation, feeling like a tight band around your head. Stress is a known trigger, sometimes mistaken for or occurring alongside sinus headaches.

2. Chronic Headaches

Severe headaches on top of the head for 15 or more days per month may indicate chronic headaches affecting daily life.

3. Migraine Headaches

Neurological migraines cause pulsating headaches on the top of the head, affecting approximately 12% of adults.

4. Idiopathic Pain

Sudden, stabbing headaches without an identifiable cause are generally linked to migraines.

5. Cold-Stimulus Headaches

It is less common but usually happens when consuming cold foods or beverages too quickly.

Upper Cervical Care for Top-of-Head Pain and Migraine Relief in Fort Wayne IN

The role of a Fort Wayne Chiropractor in managing headaches, especially those on top of the head and migraine-related, is crucial. Using a non-invasive form of chiropractic care that focuses on the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2), chiropractic doctors like Dr. Emily Staples can help restore balance in the body. The gentle adjustments on the atlas bone corrects imbalance to ensure proper alignment with the head and maintain proper neurological function.

A case study presented a 39-year-old woman with essential tremors and migraines, showing significant improvement with Upper Cervical Chiropractic care. Combining standard neurological care with the chiropractic method benefitted migraine patients in another research article. NUCCA discipline research demonstrated potential migraine relief by addressing misalignments at the top of the spine.

If you’ve been experiencing recurring headaches and migraine episodes, you can benefit from this type of care, too. Below are some aspects of how Upper Cervical Care can help:

1. Brainstem Pressure

Addressing misalignment in the C1 vertebra is critical. Even a slight misalignment can exert pressure on the brainstem, disrupting normal neurological functions and contributing to headaches.

2. Intracranial Pressure

Misalignments in the upper neck can impede cerebrospinal fluid flow and impact blood vessels, leading to increased intracranial pressure and severe headaches.

3. Reduced Blood Flow

The cervical spine’s misalignments can reduce blood flow, contributing to headaches. Proper alignment through upper cervical chiropractic adjustments alleviates these headaches by improving blood flow to the brain.

Explore Fort Wayne Migraine Chiropractic Care Today!

Embarking on a journey to reclaim the joy in your hobbies, free from the shackles of constant migraines, begins with taking a step towards lasting relief. If the throbbing pain on top of your head has become an unwelcome companion, hindering your ability to indulge in activities you love, consider exploring Fort Wayne Migraine Chiropractic Care.

Imagine a life where migraines no longer dictate the rhythm of your days, where the pursuit of your passions is no longer compromised. Booking a visit to our office might be the transformative solution you’ve been yearning for.

Take the first step – schedule a consultation with a Fort Wayne Chiropractor today. This isn’t just about managing pain; it’s about reclaiming your life and rediscovering the joy that your hobbies bring. Your journey to a headache-free, hobby-enriched life awaits, and the first chapter starts with a simple, enlightening conversation. Book your consultation with Dr. Emily Staples today to begin your path to lasting migraine relief in Fort Wayne IN.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Staples, call our Fort Wayne office at (260) 308-5226. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

Discover Migraine Relief in Fort Wayne

Posted on September 18, 2023October 31, 2023 by Atlas Chiropractic

Migraine relief in Fort Wayne can come in a number of different forms. Some people are simply seeking only short-term relief so they feel better right now, while others are also seeking a long-term solution to prevent getting migraine attacks in the first place. We're going to discuss both in this blog post to help you find the right type of care for you.

Short-Term Migraine Relief

Short-term migraine relief is ideal for when you're actually experiencing one of the 4 stages of a migraine attack: prodrome, aura, headache, or postdrome. You might notice that only one of the 4 stages includes the headache that migraine is so well known for. In fact, some migraine attacks may not even include a headache. Sometimes people with migraine will experience nausea and vomiting, nasal congestion, sensitivity to light and sound, or other symptoms instead of a headache during phase 3.

One easy thing you might try for short-term migraine relief is to sip on a caffeinated drink. Remember not to overdo it though, as caffeine withdrawal later can cause withdrawal headaches. This may also not be a good idea late in the day as it could affect your sleep, which is important for migraine relief as well.

Another thing you might want to try for migraine relief is a migraine hat or migraine cap like this TheraICE one shown to the right. (Disclosure: If you use our link to purchase one we may earn a very small affiliate fee.) Many of these include the ability to freeze or warm it up to provide cold or hot relief to the head as well. Be sure to look for one that also covers the sinuses. If you don't want to go the route of a migraine hat or cap, you can substitute using a cooling ice pack or heating pad. A lot of people find it helpful to alternate between the two.

That leads us to tip number three for short-term migraine relief. Try to rest and get some sleep. However, while you're resting remember that posture is important. If you're slouching on the couch but looking straight ahead, you're encouraging forward head posture. (As an upper cervical chiropractor, Dr. Emily prefers the proper medical term anterior head carriage, but you might see the more common term forward head posture among non-medical professionals.) If you're going to lay down flat, make sure you have a good pillow that is going to provide the proper support for your neck and upper cervical spine.

Long-Term Migraine Relief

Long-term migraine relief is really what everyone with migraine should desire. Taking medication everyday or when you first start to experience symptoms merely masks the problem. It's like putting a piece of black electrical tape over your check engine light. Just because you can't see the check engine light anymore doesn't mean there isn't still a problem. You may just not notice it because it's a very minor issue. But what happens to minor issues if left ignored? They can get worse, right?

The same goes with our bodies. Just because you're taking advil, tylenol, ibuprofen, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, or other medications, that doesn't mean that the nerve problem has been fixed. It simply masks over the problem. Now, don't get me wrong. We're not advocating that all medicines are bad. There are some fantastic life-saving medications out there that work wonders. But if you have a nail in your tire creating a slow leak, do you think it's better to simply pump up the tire every day or remove the nail?

At Atlas Chiropractic of Fort Wayne we think it's better to treat the cause of the problem rather than the effects. Chiropractic for migraine relief is something that we know quite a bit about.

When you continue to take medication day after day for something like migraine, you're treating the effects of one problem but potentially creating others:

Aspirin can increase your risk of hemorrhagic stroke, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding. (Mayo Clinic)
Ibuprofen can increase your risk of heart attack, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. (Cleveland Clinic)
Tylenol is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. (Drugwatch)

The NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic technique that we use in our office has shown many positive results in our office as well as other upper cervical chiropractic offices across the country. Dr. Emily is even a migraine patient herself and the effectiveness of NUCCA on her migraine attacks is one of the reasons that led to her becoming a NUCCA chiropractor herself. Since there are no other NUCCA upper cervical specific chiropractors anywhere close to Fort Wayne, she makes a two-hour drive on a frequency indicated by the care plan she is under in order to ensure she says as healthy as possible and migraine free.

If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Emily's story and experience NUCCA for yourself you can either give us a call at 260-399-9020 or reserve your free consultation through the button below. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Understanding Headaches after a Traumatic Injury

Posted on September 17, 2023January 18, 2024 by Dr. Emily Staples

headaches, migraine relief in Fort Wayne

Are you among the many individuals who have faced the double burden of having a traumatic injury and recurring headaches? It’s a daunting journey, isn’t it? Headaches following a traumatic injury (concussion, whiplash, traumatic brain injury, etc.) can feel like an unwelcome and relentless companion. You’re left wondering, “Is this the new normal, or is there hope for relief?” In this article, we will be embarking on a quest to unravel the enigma of post-traumatic headaches and the role of NUCCA Chiropractic in Fort Wayne in providing you with a natural source of relief.

From immediate symptoms to those that surface later on, we’ll explore the complexities of headaches that often arise after trauma so you can learn how to achieve lasting migraine relief in Fort Wayne.

Potential Causes of Post-Trauma Headaches

Post-trauma headaches can be an unwelcome and painful consequence of head injuries. Understanding their potential causes is the first step toward finding migraine relief in Fort Wayne.

Whiplash

One common culprit is whiplash, often associated with car accidents or falls. The sudden, forceful movement of the head can strain neck muscles, damaged ligaments, and even lead to headaches.

Concussions

Concussions are another significant factor. The brain’s delicate structure can be affected by blows to the head, leading to various symptoms, including headaches. These headaches may surface immediately or days after the injury.

Atlas subluxation

These are misalignment of the top cervical vertebra (the atlas), is a lesser-known but essential consideration. When the atlas is out of alignment, it can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels, potentially triggering headaches. This condition is often addressed through techniques like NUCCA Chiropractic, which focus on realigning the atlas to alleviate symptoms.

Muscle Strain and Tension

Injuries often result in muscle strain and tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This tension can radiate upward and contribute to headaches. When muscles are injured or overused in response to trauma, they can go into spasm or develop knots, causing referred pain in the form of headaches.

Navigating the maze of post-trauma headaches can be challenging, but it’s crucial to identify the root causes to find practical solutions. Seeking professional help, like NUCCA Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, can be pivotal in addressing these headaches by addressing atlas subluxation and promoting overall head and neck health. Whether it’s whiplash, concussions, or other contributing factors, understanding these potential causes is the first step toward finding relief and restoring your quality of life.

How NUCCA Chiropractic Can Provide Lasting Migraine Relief in Fort Wayne

NUCCA Care is a great option for anyone seeking lasting migraine relief in Fort Wayne. That’s because it’s natural and uses a holistic approach to address recurring health concerns like post-traumatic headaches. Chances are, you have already crossed paths with it on some YouTube shorts and Facebook reels while scrolling. While it might only seem like a craze or health fad, it’s a worthwhile option to consider because it aims to restore balance in the body and alleviate pressure on nerves and blood vessels. This promotes faster healing and helps gradually eliminate the headaches caused by post-traumatic injury.

Now, the next step is in your hands, and that is reaching out to a trusted NUCCA chiropractor like Dr. Emily Staples, who has the expertise and experience to help you find the relief you’ve been searching for. Book your appointment today!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Staples, call our Fort Wayne office at (260) 308-5226. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

How NUCCA Can Benefit People with Migraine

Posted on August 24, 2023October 31, 2023 by Atlas Chiropractic

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making it difficult to work, go to school, or enjoy activities. According to the American Migraine Foundation as of 2023, 39 million Americans live with migraine. The AMF also estimates that migraine affects 1 in 4 households in the United States.

There is no cure for migraine, but there are a variety of treatments available that can help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. One promising treatment option is NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic care. (NUCCA is an acronym for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association.) NUCCA is what we offer here at Atlas Chiropractic of Fort Wayne.

NUCCA is a specific type of chiropractic care that focuses on the alignment of the upper cervical spine. More specifically, NUCCA focuses on the top vertebra C1, also known as the atlas bone. These upper cervical vertebrae are responsible for supporting the head and neck, as well as for protecting the brainstem and spinal cord. The atlas bone itself is known as the brain to body connection through which all of the nerves of the body pass through.

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid that travel through this area. This can lead to a variety of problems, including migraine attacks.

NUCCA adjustments aim to realign the upper cervical spine, reduce the pressure on these nerves and blood vessels, and improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can help to prevent migraine attacks or reduce their severity.

How NUCCA Works for Migraine

One way that NUCCA helps is to improve the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain. This is because the upper cervical spine is located near the base of the skull, where the brainstem and spinal cord connect. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on these structures and restrict the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Another way that NUCCA helps is to reduce inflammation in the brain. Inflammation is a common trigger for migraine attacks. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can irritate the nerves and blood vessels in this area, which can lead to inflammation.

Research on NUCCA for Migraine

There is a growing body of research on the effectiveness of NUCCA care for those with migraine. A 2017 study published in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that NUCCA treatment was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in adults. The study also found that NUCCA was well-tolerated and had no serious side effects.

Another study, published in the journal Headache in 2018, found that NUCCA treatment was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks in children. The study also found that NUCCA was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency of attacks.

Here are some additional tips for people with migraine who are considering NUCCA:

Keep a headache diary to track your symptoms and triggers. This will help your chiropractor identify the underlying cause of your attacks and develop a treatment plan.
Make lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your risk of attacks. These changes may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
Be patient. It may take some time to see the full benefits of NUCCA treatment.

If you are looking for a natural and effective way to manage your migraine, NUCCA may be a good option for you. Book a complimentary consultation at Atlas Chiropractic of Fort Wayne to learn more.