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Neurology (Expert Forum)
chiropractic manipulation for chronic daily headache
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chiropractic manipulation for chronic daily headache
by Leary, Apr 05, 2006 12:00AM
I have what fits the description of chronic daily headache syndrome. Dull boring headaches every single day with little rest. I've seen a neurologist who says I don't have a neuro problem that he can see. Internal medicine doctor tells me he is clueless too. But everyday I feel SO BAD. There must be an answer.
Last year, I did get "adjusted" by a chiropractor where he cracked my back in 2 spots and twisted my head both ways to create an enormous amount of "cracking". After the "adjustment" my whole spine felt great, and my headache felt very slightly for a few days...I never went back for another "adjustment".
I did have an MRI of my Cervical spine taken and the neurologist mentioned something about "strengthening of the lordosis, but there is no kephosis evident". Brain MRI normal.
I have noticed that if I lay down and have someone hyperextend my neck my pulling on my head that there is tremendous relief in the pressure--almost like there is an instant, physical, measurable relief when this is performed.
1) Whatever that means, could that cause headaches?
(My headache is usually dull and boring and felt deep behind my forehead or the back of my head. But my neck does make a funny "fizzle" sound when I move my head around.)
2) Also, is there any evidence that young healthy people with unexplained daily headaches tend to develop any certain diseases or medical conditions in the future, such as stroke, aneurysm, vascular, lung, or other conditions?
3) Is the fact that I get so much instant relief from hyperextending my neck a certain clue?
Last year, I did get "adjusted" by a chiropractor where he cracked my back in 2 spots and twisted my head both ways to create an enormous amount of "cracking". After the "adjustment" my whole spine felt great, and my headache felt very slightly for a few days...I never went back for another "adjustment".
I did have an MRI of my Cervical spine taken and the neurologist mentioned something about "strengthening of the lordosis, but there is no kephosis evident". Brain MRI normal.
I have noticed that if I lay down and have someone hyperextend my neck my pulling on my head that there is tremendous relief in the pressure--almost like there is an instant, physical, measurable relief when this is performed.
1) Whatever that means, could that cause headaches?
(My headache is usually dull and boring and felt deep behind my forehead or the back of my head. But my neck does make a funny "fizzle" sound when I move my head around.)
2) Also, is there any evidence that young healthy people with unexplained daily headaches tend to develop any certain diseases or medical conditions in the future, such as stroke, aneurysm, vascular, lung, or other conditions?
3) Is the fact that I get so much instant relief from hyperextending my neck a certain clue?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
Chronic headache is a neurological problem which is best treated by a neurologist with a special interest in headache - in chronic daily headache treatment issues cna be complex and in general, if you can get an appointmnt at a headache center, this would be a good idea.
If the diagnossi is a primary headache syndrome like chronic migraine or tension headache, there is no long term deleterious effects on the brain or other organs. Secondary headache are headaches caused by something else ie vascular, tumor etc and the prognosis depends on what is causing the headache.
Relief with hyperextension of the neck does not suggest anything very specific. It may reflect that there is a muskuloskeletal component to the headche ie muscle spasm/ ligament strain which the extension releives somehwat. Having a physical therapist specializing in the neck evaluate your neck and posture may help
Good luck
If the diagnossi is a primary headache syndrome like chronic migraine or tension headache, there is no long term deleterious effects on the brain or other organs. Secondary headache are headaches caused by something else ie vascular, tumor etc and the prognosis depends on what is causing the headache.
Relief with hyperextension of the neck does not suggest anything very specific. It may reflect that there is a muskuloskeletal component to the headche ie muscle spasm/ ligament strain which the extension releives somehwat. Having a physical therapist specializing in the neck evaluate your neck and posture may help
Good luck
Because of the abnormal sound your hearing and lordosis issues in your neck, I'm curious to know if you have had a previous injury, possibly whiplash?
Ask your doctor about physical therapy. If possible, make sure you find a PT specializing in headaches. I'm on my third, now in a spine program, and she is the first who has focused in on the extreme muscle tightness at the base of my skull.
Good luck!
Don't ever let a doctor blow off your headaches! If that doctor doesn't listen, go to a different one.
Good luck. Mel