"I have headaches...here, here, and here. That's not a migraine, is it, Doc?" Probably not, but if it is a chronic condition, it can be just as painful as a migraine. Persistent headache pain can be unbearable and present a serious problem to a patient's well being.

The patient who is able to literally put his finger on his headache possibly suffers from a cervical headache. Cervical refers to the "cervical spine," the section of the spine located from the base of the head to the upper back.

Cervical headache pain is located in the back of the head and upper neck, radiating forward to the temple. Occasionally, the pain is referred to the eye. Less frequently, burning pain is experienced across the shoulder and upper back.

Often these headaches become a chronic condition, affecting a person almost as regularly as the sun rises and sets. The general pattern is that pain begins in the morning, subsides during the day, and reoccurs later in the afternoon. It is accompanied by tender spots in the scalp and neck.

What causes cervical headaches? Simply stated, most are due to irritation in the upper spinal nerves. The nerves pass through small, partially-closed openings in the spine, near the base of the skull. Then, the nerves pass through the soft tissue of the scalp, where they are compressed to the point of pain.

Several causes lie behind the irritation of these nerves. It may be a fall or jolt to the head, neck, or back, commonly caused in auto accidents. Some headaches result from hereditary spinal defects. Constant muscular tension is a culprit, due to the stress brought on by the fast pace of modern-day living.

By the very nature of the conditions that cause cervical headaches, they always become chronic problems if left untreated. Recurring headaches cause nervous tension that, in turn, can develop into chronic nervousness, digestive problems, irregularity, or insomnia.

Individuals with headaches and tender spots in the scalp or neck should seek immediate treatment and care. Headaches pills and drugs are not the answer. Remember, over-the-counter pain pills, at best, offer temporary relief. They frequently upset the stomach and bring on nervousness. Over the long haul, these drugs can be expensive.

Headaches due to the irritation of the upper spinal nerves are more likely to respond to the care offered by the Doctor of Chiropractic.

Our goal is the correction of the headache cause. It is a joyous day when the chiropractic patient can no longer put a finger on a headache.

Jim Bleecker, MS. Ed., D.C.