Tension Headaches through the Eyes of a Chiropractor
posted: Dec. 13, 2011.
The vast majority and almost 90 percent of all headaches are know as tension, or cervicogenic headaches. These are the most common headache, but are often misdiagnosed. They use the term "cervicogenic" now instead of tension because they are finding that it is produced in the cervical spine, and they are generated by the vertebrae in the neck as well as the surrounding tissues being unbalanced or misaligned.
Typically this occurs by a misalignment of the vertebrae in the upper cervical spine, specifically the first vertebrae, often times in combination with muscle spasm and tension as well as trigger points in the neck. This misalignment causes the spasm of a small muscle at the base of the neck called the rectus capitis posterior minor. This muscle attaches to the thin dural sheeth of the spinal cord which is very pain sensitive. So, you can imagine when this muscle pulls on the spinal dura that it can cause severe pain as well as referral pain behind and lateral to the eyes which is the pain you call a...headache!
Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine to its normal and healthy position relieving pressure from the spinal dura providing great relief from headaches. Make an appointment today for a FREE Headache Consultation at your Bozeman Chiropractor office at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic today! Call 406-551-2177