Combining Massage with Chiropractic Adjustment for Effective Headache Relief
- Julian Simpson
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Combining Massage with Chiropractic Adjustment for Effective Headache Relief
Headache is recognized as the most prevalent symptom experienced by individuals globally, impacting an astonishing 90% of the world's population at some point in their lives.
Research indicates that approximately 66% of men and 57% of women report experiencing this debilitating pain at least once annually.
This widespread occurrence underscores the significant burden headaches impose on both personal health and public health systems, as they can lead to decreased productivity, impaired quality of life, and increased healthcare costs.
So you are not alone in your health journey!
Headaches can manifest in various forms, and understanding their origins is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a specific type of headache that is frequently attributed to dysfunction in the cervical spine or neck region. In cases of CGH, the pain is typically referred from the neck, meaning that the discomfort originates in the cervical structures but is felt in the head. Cervicogenic headaches rank among the top three most common types of recurrent headaches, highlighting their significance and the need for appropriate recognition and treatment.
The Signs and symptoms of cervicogenic headaches are:
Unilateral headache, which means the pain is usually localized to one side of the head, often making it distinct from other headache types.
Symptoms and signs of neck involvement, including stiffness or tenderness in the neck, often accompany the headache and can exacerbate the pain.
Episodic moderate pain originating in the neck and spreading to the head, typically characterized by a gradual onset that can last for hours or even days.
Response to nerve or root blockade indicates that the pain is likely generated from nerve structures in the neck, as patients may experience relief when these nerves are targeted therapeutically.
Non-obligatory features, such as autonomic disturbances (like sweating or nasal congestion), dizziness, phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), photophobia (sensitivity to light), monocular visual blurring, and difficulty swallowing, which can complicate the clinical picture and affect overall well-being.
How were the patients treated?
Adjustments were performed on the upper two vertebrae, targeting misalignments that could contribute to pain and dysfunction in the neck.
Massage techniques were applied over the suboccipital and lateral neck regions, aiming to alleviate muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected areas.
Fascia release was conducted in the areas of the neck where restrictions in motion were noted, facilitating greater mobility and reducing discomfort.
The technique specifically targeted the levator scapula, sternocleidomastoid, scalene, and upper trapezius muscles, with treatment sessions lasting approximately 8 minutes. This involved working from the origin to the insertion of these muscles on both sides of the neck to ensure comprehensive treatment. The same technique was then applied over the longissimus capitis, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, and suboccipital muscles in a centripetal direction, repeated three times to maximize the therapeutic effect.
All participants in both treatment groups also received heat therapy, which is known to enhance muscle relaxation and promote healing in the affected tissues.
In the study, participants who received only spinal adjustments were compared to those who also benefited from massage therapy techniques in conjunction with their spinal adjustments. This comparative approach aimed to discern the effectiveness of combining different treatment modalities.
BOTH groups exhibited improvements in their symptoms after a 4-week treatment period, and these benefits were sustained during a follow-up at six months. However, it was noteworthy that those who received the additional muscle therapy alongside their spinal adjustments reported significantly better results. This suggests that a multifaceted approach to treatment, addressing both spinal alignment and muscular tension, may yield superior outcomes for individuals suffering from cervicogenic headaches.
Headache Chiropractor
Q: Can a chiropractor help with headaches?Yes, chiropractic care can help relieve tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension.
Q: How does chiropractic treat headaches?We use gentle spinal adjustments, posture correction, and muscle therapy to relieve the stress and pressure that often trigger headaches.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe for frequent headaches?Yes, chiropractic is a safe and drug-free option for many types of headaches when provided by qualified practitioners.
Q: How soon will I feel headache relief?Some patients notice improvement after their first few visits, while others may need a tailored care plan depending on the cause of their headaches.
For more information about how we can help. Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
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Reference
Nambi G, Alghadier M, Khanam H, Pakkir Mohamed SH, Aldhafian OR, Alshahrani NA, Mani P, Chevidikunnan MF, Khan F, Albarakati AJA. An Additive Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization with Spinal Manipulation in Cervicogenic Headache: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Ther. 2024 Oct 28. doi: 10.1007/s40122-024-00671-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39467979.
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