What is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, presenting as moderate to severe diffuse pain around the head and neck. Generally, tension headaches occur around the temples, at the base of the neck, or around the forehead. The cause of tension headaches is not widely understood, but commonly cited triggers include stress, dehydration, or misalignments in the upper cervical spine. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Tension Headache

Tension headaches are characterized by a feeling of tightness or pressure in the head, neck, or scalp. They may also be accompanied by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw. Some individuals with tension headaches can also experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tension Headaches

The upper cervical spine is made up of the topmost seven vertebrae and is integral for movement in the head and neck. As a result, vertebral misalignments in the upper cervical spine can cause the surrounding musculature to become compressed, tense, and inflamed. Left untreated, this can have a knock-on effect throughout the neck and in the muscles of the head, causing tension that leads to recurring headaches. 

A misalignment-induced compressed nerve can also cause a tension headache by disrupting the normal functioning of the surrounding nerve endings. When a nerve is compressed, it can become inflamed and overactive, which can cause pain to radiate from the area to other parts of the body. Over time, this pain can manifest as a tension headache. 

How Our Upper Cervical Spinal Treatment for Tension Headaches Works

Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau, the specialists at Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Boulder, provide treatment for tension headaches using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, our Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic specialists work tirelessly to diagnose and treat upper cervical spinal misalignments that could be triggering your tension headaches. The Blair Technique is a gentle and non-invasive approach to realigning the upper cervical spine. By using gentle, precise corrections, our specialists can help to restore the normal function of the nerves in the area, allowing them to begin to heal naturally. Through regular treatment, our specialists can provide significant relief to individuals suffering from tension headaches, leading to improved quality of life.

Before treatment can begin, diagnostic testing is performed on the upper cervical spine. With the help of cutting-edge 3D imaging tools like cone-beam computed tomography scans, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau can generate a detailed 3D model of your upper cervical spine. This model allows Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau to minimize guesswork during treatment, allowing for more efficient and targeted treatment.

After your initial diagnosis, Dr. Coblish or Dr. Moeskau will use a series of precise Blair correction techniques to restore the upper cervical spine to its natural alignment, eliminating a major underlying cause of tension headaches. Don’t worry, unlike traditional chiropractic treatment, there is no painful popping, twisting, or cracking of the spinal column. 

If you’re looking for an effective and natural treatment for tension headaches, Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau can help. We service patients across Colorado, including

Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and Denver.