New Discovery Supports Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation for Tension Headaches

It is estimated that eighty to ninety percent of the U.S. population experiences headaches at least once or more per year. There are two general types of headaches Ð primary and secondary. Primary headaches account for 95% of all headaches which include muscle tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches account for about 5% of headaches and are the result of physiological problems such as tumor, sinusitis, and meningitis.

Recently at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland a new anatomical discovery has provided an anatomical basis for the effectiveness of spinal manipulation in the treatment of tension headaches. It is called, the Muscle Dural Connection. The discovery of a tissue bridge between a muscle at the base of the skull and the membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord called dura. It is this evidence that supports the anatomical basis for the rationale behind the long-standing success of chiropractic treatment that decreases muscle tension and thereby reduces or eliminates pain by reducing the potential forces exerted on the dura via the muscle-dura connection.

There are many ways that chiropractic treatment can help relieve and prevent headaches. This is accomplished by determining the causative factors such as stress (muscle tension), allergies, diet, eye strain, biochemical changes, which can all effect the vascular and neurological systems leading to headaches. Once this is determined the proper treatment and patient education can be given to allow the headache sufferer to live a more functional and emotional lifestyle without depending on medications.

If you or someone you know suffers from headaches call and make an appointment and see what Yeomans-Edinger Chiropractic Center can do for you.