The Blair Chiropractic Technique Can Alleviate a Tension Headache

What is a Tension Headache?

A tension headache is a specific type of headache characterized by tight, throbbing pain around the temple and behind the eyes. Tension headaches can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including stress, poor sleeping habits, and injury to the upper cervical spine.

Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches

The most common symptom of tension headaches is a painful feeling of pressure or tension in the head. This pain can range from mild to severe and can last for a few minutes to a few hours. Other symptoms associated with tension headaches include neck pain, shoulder pain, and fatigue. Some people may also experience dizziness, concentration issues, or nausea. 

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tension Headaches

The cause of tension headaches is still not well understood, but there are a few factors that can contribute to their frequency and severity. One of the most common causes is a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The upper cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae that connect the spinal column to the base of the skull. A vertebral misalignment in this region of the spine can place tremendous strain on the delicate musculoskeletal structures of the neck, potentially triggering the onset of tension headaches. 

A misalignment of the C1 or C2 vertebrae is particularly common in people suffering from frequent tension headaches. The two topmost vertebrae, the C1 and C2 act as a pivot joint and can be a source of neck pain and other related problems if they are not aligned correctly. In some cases, a C1-C2 misalignment may also contribute to the development of tension headaches due to compression or pressure on the cranial nerves of the brainstem.

How Our Upper Cervical Spinal Treatment for Tension Headaches Works 

If you’re looking for a natural, holistic approach to treating tension headaches, then you may want to consider upper cervical chiropractic care. At Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic, Dr. Noah Kaplan, our board-certified chiropractor, specializes in the Blair Technique, a form of chiropractic care which promotes long-term relief from tension headaches by correcting any underlying misalignments in the upper cervical spine.  

However, before we can provide an effective treatment, we need to first assess your individual case and determine whether a vertebral misalignment is the source of your tension headaches. To do so, Dr. Kaplan will use a variety of state-of-the-art 3D imaging technologies, including cone beam computed tomography, to identify any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. We are the only chiropractic office in Walnut Creek and the entire East Bay area to utilize this technology in patient care.

If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Kaplan will use the Blair Technique to gently realign the vertebrae back into their natural position. Don’t worry, Dr. Kaplan will never use techniques that require painful popping, cracking, or twisting of the spine.

If tension headaches are preventing you from doing the things you love, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Kaplan about the health of your upper cervical spine. Located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.