What are Tension Headaches?
A tension headache is a type of headache characterized by moderate to severe pain that’s diffused across the head. The pain is usually located at the temples, forehead, or back of the head. Tension headaches are typically caused by stress, anxiety, muscle tension, poor posture, or vertebral misalignment, but they can also be caused by strained muscles, digestive problems, and even dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches
The symptoms of a tension headache are similar to other types of headaches. They may include pressure or tightness across the head, sensitivity to light or sound, difficulty concentrating, muscle strain, nausea, dizziness, and generalized fatigue.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tension Headaches
The upper cervical spine is the part of the spine that connects the base of the skull to the top of the spinal column. If these vertebrae become misaligned, or if the muscles and ligaments that connect them to the skull and spinal column are weak, it can cause a variety of adverse symptoms, including tension headaches.
In addition to supporting the skull, the upper cervical spine also functions as a pathway for nerve signals from the central nervous system. If there is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, the ensuing inflammation can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the brain, causing the onset of tension headaches. Left untreated, misalignment-induced tension headaches may become more severe and/or frequent. In particularly severe cases, upper cervical misalignments can become a trigger for migraines or even seizures.
How Our Tension Headache Treatment Works
At our office, we offer a variety of natural and alternative health services, with a focus on upper cervical chiropractic care. As a holistic treatment for tension headaches, upper cervical chiropractic care restores proper alignment and function to the upper cervical vertebrae, relieving the inflammation and musculoskeletal stress caused by misalignment.
Our treatment regime for tension headaches begins with a non-invasive physical examination. During this examination, Dr. Bello, our expert chiropractor, may use X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to determine the precise location and angle of your misaligned vertebra. Using this information, Dr. Bello will perform a series of gentle chiropractic corrections to realign the upper cervical spine. Once the misalignment is corrected, the nerve signals from the brain can be transmitted normally, easing the severity and frequency of tension headaches.
Dr. Bello provides tension headache treatment to patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, and the surrounding areas.