No Guesswork
The first step is a full clinical assessment of the cervical spine (and probably the rest of the spine too!) by Dr. Dryer
We will also take a full history from you as well. We’ll need to know:
- specifically, where is the headache located
- where does the headache start
- how often you have an episode,
- how long they last
- what additional symptoms you have
- when they started
- whether they have got worse or changed
- what kind of trauma has your body been through (car wrecks, horse accidents, bike crashes, etc.)
What does past trauma have to do with my current headaches?
Many times after a whiplash type injury, the muscles in the neck are damaged. Without the proper support, the normal curve in the cervical spine is straightened or even reversed. This results in a drastic change in the amount of force the head exerts on the neck. This makes the neck muscles work much harder than they were designed to work. When the neck muscles become fatigued and are unable to continue to hold the head up, they will spasm to maintain spinal support. These spasmed muscles are often the cause of recurring headaches. Restrengthening the muscles in the neck will assist in correcting the cervical cure so that the head is correctly balance on top of the neck.
We have had great success in helping our patients reduce or even eliminate their recurring headaches. Regardless of how long ago the trauma was, now is the time to start repairing the damage.
E
ffective, personalized treatment
Once we know exactly which areas are compromised and to what degree Dr. Dryer can then formulate a treatment plan designed exactly for you. Our goal for you will be to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and reduce your medication.
There are a wide range of treatment options available and how they are used depends on you and your specific needs:
- Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation – Many times when the cervical spine is not moving correctly, headaches will be the result. Many times gentle chiropractic spinal manipulation will mobilize the spine and relieve headaches.
- Therapeutic Massage – no manipulation or cracking! Using a variety of manual treatments our massage therapists will gently and carefully release the tension
- Cervical Spine Rehabilitation – We have a complete rehabilitation gym in our facility. We have specific machines for strengthening the neck muscles.