Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 1/19/2007

Question
DEAR DOCTOR, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING TENSION HEADACHES FOR ABOUT A FEW MONTHS, THEY FEEL LIKE TIGHT BANDS ALL AROUND MY HEAD, MAKING ME WEAK, TIRED AND DIZZY AT TIMES. I HAVE HAD AN MRI DONE ON THE BRAIN TO SEE IF IFS NOTHING SERIOUS AND THAT TURNED OUT NOT TO BE THE PROBLEM. THE OTHER DAY I WENT TO MY PHYSICIAN AND HAD AN X-RAY DONE ON MY CERVICAL SPINE AND IT SHOWS THAT I HAVE 2 PINCHED NERVES. CAN MY ALL DAY TENSION HEADACHES BE THE RESULT OF PINCHED NERVES IN MY NECK. ALSO WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENT IS RECOMMENDED, I HAVE TRIED MOTRIN FOR 2 WEEKS AND I SAW NO IMPROVEMENT. IS ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE FOR THIS? PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Answer
Hello Maria,

     Yes, tension headaches may be caused by a misalignment of the cervical spine (Cervicogenic Headaches).  Very common, doctors of chiropractic specialize in the biomechanics of the spine and all joints of the body.  Chiropractic treatments moves the spine/vertebrae back into place reducing tension on the nerve resulting in a decrease in muscle spasm and pain.  Chiropractor will often use various soft tissue techniques to stretch/loosen the surrounding musculature of the affected joint.  Acupuncture is also effective for headaches.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.