Headaches

Dr. Vic Weatherall
Updated January 2024

The three most common types of headaches are cervicogenic, tension, and migraine. These are explained below followed by information on how chiropractic treatment may help. Some important information on headaches is provided at the end of this article.

See also Headaches.

To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Vic Weatherall.

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache is pain referred from the neck and perceived in one or more regions of the head, face, or both. Cervicogenic headache is aggravated by neck movement and can be accompanied by reduced neck area range of motion, focal tenderness, and trigger points that refer to the head.

When myofascial tender spots are the only cause, the headache should be classified as a tension-type headache, not a cervicogenic headache.

Tension headaches

Tension headache

Tension headaches present as pain on both sides of the head with a pressing, tightening (band-like) quality and are mild to moderate in intensity. They are not likely caused by underlying problems in the neck or head.

Tension headaches have frequent episodes that last for minutes to days. There is no associated nausea or vomiting but there may be sensitivity to light sound. The pain is not aggravated by routine activities. There may be tenderness to touch around the head.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headache

Migraine headaches usually present as unilateral, pulsating pain of moderate or severe intensity. Migraines may present with or without an aura. They are not likely caused by underlying problems in the neck or head.

The headaches are recurrent and can last 4-72 hours. During migraine headaches, one or more of the following are present: nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain is aggravated by routine activities.

Chiropractic treatment for headaches

Chiropractic treatment including spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and exercise has been found to be effective in the treatment of cervicogenic, tension, and migraine headaches. Multimodal and multidisciplinary care including group exercise, relaxation, stress, and nutritional counseling as also helpful.

Contact Dr. Weatherall if you have any questions or to see if he can help you with a problem.

Some important facts on headaches

There are several established “red flag” symptoms that would reflect a significant problem within the head or neck and should alert you to a more serious cause of headache. Some of these are listed below. If they occur, seek medical assistance without delay.

  • Systemic signs or symptoms: fever, weight loss, history of malignancy or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or meningitis.
  • Neurologic signs or symptoms: hemiparesis (weakness of the entire side of the body), hemisensory loss (loss of sensation on one side of the body), diplopia (double vision), or dysarthria (slurred, slow, and difficult to understand speech).
  • Unusual onset: “Worst headache of my life,” headache that reaches peak intensity within seconds to minutes (thunderclap headache).
  • Older age: new onset headache over 40 years of age.
  • Progression of existing an headache disorder: change in the quality,  location, or frequency of existing headaches.
  • Neck or occipital pain with a sharp quality and severe and persistent headache.
  • Seizures.

References