Headaches
Cervicogenic HeadachesCervicogenic headaches have a simple cause as well, a subluxation, or abnormal joint motion in the vertebrae of the upper neck. The joints become misaligned and cause inflammation and tightness of the muscles at the base of the skull, applying pressure and chemical interference to the nerves and blood vessels of the skull.
How do we treat Migraines and Cervicogenic headaches?
By improving oxygenation to the brain, Portland Chiropractic Neurology can prevent the need for arteries to constrict and cause pain upon dilation. We do this with supplemental oxygen, rib adjustments to increase oxygen content of blood, postural alterations, spinal adjustments and neurological rehabilitation. There is an important neurological component to migraines that is based within the brain. When you have decreased input to the area called the Pontomedullary Reticular Formation (PMRF) from an unhealthy brain, cerebellum or vestibular system you will get abnormal control of blood vessel size. An area called your IML (inter-medial lateral system) is allowed to function out of control, which is damaging for your body over long periods of time. The IML is responsible for increasing blood pressure, increasing heart rate, activating flexor muscles and activating adrenal cortex output. The IML is the stress portion of our brain. Therefore, we need to treat the areas of the brain that are controlling the IML so it won’t get out of control, constricting blood vessels and causing migraine symptoms.
Nutrition is vitally important for the treatment of people with migraines and other headaches, as well as restricting serotonin intake along with supplementation. Chiropractic care mixed with neurological and nutritional rehabilitation can successfully treat migraines and other headaches.