What is a Tension Headache?
A tension headache is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching pain in and around the head. Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders, with common triggers including protracted periods of stress, dental problems, and long-term poor posture. They can last from 30 minutes to several days and range in intensity from mild to moderate.
Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches
The most common symptom of a tension headache is dull, aching pain that is felt on both sides of the head, or around the temples and the back of the head. The pain is often described as a tightness or band-like sensation around the head. In addition to pain, other symptoms of tension headaches can include neck stiffness, tenderness in the scalp, jaw or neck muscles, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tension Headaches
The relationship between the upper cervical spine and tension headaches is a complex one. Tension headaches are often the result of muscle tension in the head, scalp, neck, and shoulders. This muscle tension can be caused by a range of factors, including stress, poor posture, and emotional distress. Another common culprit is a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine. Left untreated, a misalignment in this region of the spine can place undue stress on the muscles, nerves, and ligaments in the neck and head, potentially leading to the development of tension headaches.
How Our Natural Tension Headache Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic is a progressive form of chiropractic care that focuses on the health of the upper cervical spine and aims to restore balance to the body by realigning the upper cervical vertebrae. By addressing the root cause of your condition, upper cervical chiropractic care can help to alleviate the muscle tension and imbalances that contribute to tension headaches.
The Blair Chiropractic Technique is an extension of the upper cervical chiropractic approach, with an emphasis on non-invasive diagnostic imaging and precise, gentle adjustments. Your initial appointment with a Blair Chiropractic specialist will typically include a thorough consultation and examination, during which your specialist will use a series of advanced diagnostic tools, such as cone-beam computed tomography scans. These scans will be used to create a three-dimensional model of your spine, which will be used to determine the precise location of any vertebral misalignments in your upper cervical spine.
If a misalignment is found, your Blair chiropractor will coax the affected vertebra back to its natural alignment with a series of low-force, gentle adjustments. With no harsh manipulation, pulling, or cracking of the spine, you can look forward to a comfortable, safe, and effective treatment experience.
