The Trauma Headache Connection

Research has shown that after a head trauma, no matter how mild it may seem, an underlying headache condition can worsen considerably.¹ For people that did not have an underlying headache condition, a head or neck trauma can bring on a type of headache called post-traumatic headache, or PTH. Even something as benign as heading a soccer ball can be enough to bring on a migraine attack. Women have a higher risk for developing headaches after a trauma, and increasing age has been associated with a slower, less complete recovery.²

Oftentimes headaches that occur as a result of a head or neck injury, especially a whiplash-type trauma, are associated with other symptoms including dizziness, anxiety, difficulty maintaining concentration, and sleep disturbances.² Whiplash is an injury to the structures of the neck that often occurs following a rear-end auto accident. Whiplash injury can also occur as a result of a sports injury, abuse, or other types of trauma.³ This damage to the cervical spine is often managed through the use of medications designed to provide the sufferer with some relief from the associated pain and other symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms have a delayed onset and may not show up for many months following the accident.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

In Calgary, people have been seeking out the care of headache expert Dr. Bohemier. As an upper cervical chiropractor, Dr. Bohemier helps his patients find relief naturally following a whiplash or other injury to the neck that results in headaches. Specific attention is given to the uppermost two bones of the neck, the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). A misalignment of these two unique bones are oftentimes the underlying cause of a variety of headache and migraine types, particularly following some type of trauma that could have caused the misalignment. Utilizing an expert form of analysis and correction, Dr. Bohemier restores alignment to the upper cervical area, which allows the healing process to take place immediately and without interference. If you have had any type of trauma to the neck or head, no matter how mild it may seem, it is imperative to be assessed by an upper cervical specific chiropractor to determine if a misalignment is the underlying cause of your headaches or migraines.

REFERENCES:

1. The Migraine Trust. Post traumatic headache. [serial on the Internet]. 2012 [cited 2015 May 8]. Available from: http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-post-traumatic-headache-2012-15133
2. International Headache Society. Headache attributed to your head and/or neck trauma. [database on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 May 8]. Available from: http://ihs-classification.org/en/02_klassifikation/03_teil2/05.00.00_necktrauma.html
3. Mayo Clinic. Whiplash. [homepage on the Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 May 8]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/basics/definition/con-20033090

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If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.