HeadacheA randomised controlled trial performed by chiropractic researchers reports chiropractic manipulation has significant success in the management of patients with cervicogenic headache.Specifically, “a significant positive effect in reducing hours with head ache, and intensity of headache, and analgesic consumption”. Nilsson N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J, The effect of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache, JMPT 1997;20:326-330 Duke University Report The most recent independent, interdisciplinary, expert evidence review firmly concludes…. “manipulation is effective in patients with cervicogenic headache.” McCrory DC, Penzien DB et al. (2001) Evidence Report: Behavioral and Physical Treatments for Tension-Type and Cervicogenic Headache, Des Moines, Iowa, Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. Product No. 2085. New Anatomical Link Provides Better Insight Into Cervicogenic Headache Dental researchers Hack and Koritzer discovered bridges of connective tissue between the posterior muscles and the dura in the upper cervical spine. “Spinal manipulation as a treatment for tension headache is predicated upon the assumption that dysfunction in the neck muscles contributes to the head pain; in the US more than 90% of such procedures are performed by chiropractors. The muscle-dura connection may represent - at least in part - the underlying anatomic basis for the effectiveness of this treatment. Such treatment, as performed by a chiropractor, could decrease muscle tension and thereby reduce or eliminate pain by reducing the potential forces exerted on the dura via the muscle-dura connection. It is interesting to note that surgeons who have severed this connection as part of some other surgical procedure have found that at least some of their patients experience fewer chronic headaches afterward. This would support the concept that neck muscles may pull on the sensitive dura via the newly described connection and thereby produce the pain.” Hack GD, Koritzer RT et al (1995) Anatomic Relation Between the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle and the Dura Mater, Spine 20(23):2484-2486. Hack DG, Dunn G et al (1998) The Anatomist’s New Tools, 1998 Medical and Health Annual, 16-29, Encyclopaedia Brittianica Inc., Chicago, Illinois. |