The upper cervical area of the spine refers to the two
vertebrae located at the top of the spine, directly underneath the head. C1
(known as Atlas,) along with C2 (known as Axis,) are chiefly responsible for
the rotation and flexibility of the head and neck. Like the rest of the
vertebrae, they are extremely vulnerable to injury and trauma, especially
trauma to the head through auto or sporting accidents.
Because so many nerves transmit through the cervical region
(to and from the brain,) trauma to this area results in problems to other parts
of the body. This is where the relationship between the upper cervical area and
headaches becomes evident. If these vertebrae become displaced, even slightly,
chronic head pain can occur. Unless the neck injury is addressed, the symptoms
persist.
Upper cervical care involves addressing the position and function of these
injured cervical vertebrae, particularly C1 and C2. Realigning these vertebrae
may restore proper function to the area and reduce or eliminate many types of headaches.
The most common types of headaches for which people seek
upper cervical care are migraine, cluster and tension
headaches. Migraine headaches are characterized by intense pain on either one
or both sides of the head. Pain is usually located around the temples or behind
one ear or eye. The pain is so severe that it often causes extreme sensitivity
to light, dizziness and may even lead to vomiting. Migraines may occur with or
without ‘aura.’ Aura refers to visual symptoms which occur 10 to 30 minutes
prior to the onset of the headache. They are usually in the form of flashing
lights, lines, blind spots or even temporary blindness.
Cluster headaches almost always occur on only one side of
the head. Their onset is so sudden and intense, cluster headaches have been
described as “worse than childbirth.” In fact, the doctor who originally
identified and researched cluster headaches characterized their pain as being
able “to drive normal people to suicide.”
Tension headaches are sometimes called ’stress headaches.’
They often start midday and usually consist of a dull, aching pain rather than
a sharp, intense one. They start gradually and slowly build in intensity.
Tension headaches may last anywhere from less than one to several hours.
Of course, not every headache falls into one of these
categories. The type and degree of pain varies from person to person. However,
if any headache occurs more often than on an occasional or sporadic basis, it’s
safe to assume that there may be an underlying cause. Continually treating
chronic and recurrent headaches with pain medication may temporarily ease the
symptoms, but it won’t cure the problem.
Many of these headaches improve significantly while under upper cervical care. The number of visits required varies by
individual, as well as type and frequency of headache. A first visit to an upper cervical chiropractor usually involves a spinal evaluation including neurological tests and x-rays to assess alignment and function for each individual case. Patients often notice an improvement in symptoms, sometimes after only
a few visits with the doctor.
(Editor's
note: Remember the
objective of upper cervical care is to correct head neck misalignment
that is interfering with proper brain to body communication. When this is
corrected the body functions at a higher level and can often correct other
problems more efficiently on its own. Please do
not confuse upper cervical care as a treatment for any condition,
disease or symptom.)
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