Headaches and migraines are among the common reasons patients visit Cromwell Chiropractic Center. Whether your headaches occur occasionally or interfere with your daily life, understanding the factors that may be contributing to them is an important first step toward finding the right approach to care.
Cervicogenic headaches arise from structures in the neck and may be felt at the base of the skull or radiate toward the front of the head. Common findings can include restricted neck movement and tenderness or stiffness in the cervical region.
Because the neck is involved, evaluating cervical joint function, muscle tension, posture and movement can help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Tension-type headaches may be accompanied by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Prolonged sitting, screen time, posture and physical or emotional stress can also contribute to neck and shoulder tension.
We evaluate the neck, posture and movement patterns to determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Migraine is a complex neurological condition with multiple potential triggers, and chiropractic care is not a treatment for every cause of migraine.
However, some patients with migraines also experience neck dysfunction, muscle tension or other musculoskeletal problems. As part of your evaluation, we assess whether these factors may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate as part of your overall care.
Headaches can occur following a motor vehicle accident or whiplash injury. They may begin shortly after the accident or develop later and can occur along with neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion or upper-back discomfort.
If your headaches began following an accident, we evaluate the cervical spine and surrounding soft tissues to identify musculoskeletal injuries that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Every headache evaluation at Cromwell Chiropractic Center begins with a thorough history. We want to understand when your headaches started, how frequently they occur, where you feel the pain, what makes the symptoms better or worse, and whether an injury or other event preceded them.
Depending upon your history and symptoms, your examination may include:
Based on the findings, an individualized treatment plan may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, posture recommendations and appropriate at-home exercises.
If the examination suggests that the headaches require evaluation outside the scope of chiropractic care, an appropriate medical referral may be recommended.
Yes. Certain headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, can be associated with problems involving the joints and soft tissues of the neck. Neck and shoulder muscle tension may also accompany some headache patterns.
A cervical examination can help determine whether musculoskeletal factors appear to be contributing to your symptoms.
Yes. Headaches can occur following whiplash and other injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. They may occur along with neck pain, stiffness, muscle tenderness or restricted movement.
Posture can contribute to neck and shoulder muscle strain in some people. Prolonged computer work, phone use and other activities that keep the head and neck in one position for extended periods may increase muscular tension.
Evaluating posture along with neck movement can help determine whether these factors are relevant to your headaches.
Not every headache patient needs X-rays. Imaging is used when clinically indicated based on the patient's history, examination findings and individual circumstances.
Cromwell Chiropractic Center is conveniently located in Cromwell and also sees headache and migraine patients from nearby Middletown, Rocky Hill, Portland, Berlin and surrounding central Connecticut communities.
Since 1997, Dr. Robert Shortell has helped patients evaluate musculoskeletal problems involving the neck, spine, posture and movement.
If headaches or migraines are interfering with your work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities, schedule an evaluation at Cromwell Chiropractic Center.
We'll take the time to evaluate your symptoms, explain what we find and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
