Headaches

Headaches are usually an extension of upper back, shoulder, and neck dysfunction. Tension headaches are typically described as a tight band around the temples and forehead and are typically associated with general neck and shoulder tension. The important muscles that may refer pain to the temples and forehead are the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, semispinalis capitis, and frontalis, as a general rule chiropractic adjustments tend to be less effective for tension headaches, as it predominately a muscle problem but can still complement the muscle work.
Cervicogenic headaches are usually headaches felt on one side of the head and face and associated with one-sided neck pain, the most important muscles are the levator scapula, trapezius, splenius cervicis, semispinalis capitis, and sub occipitals. Chiropractic adjustments tend to be much more effective with this type of headache and the tension is more concentrated to one side of the upper neck spinal joints. Read one-sided neck pain for more detailed information.