WHAT CAUSES HEADACHE CaseFile
WHAT CAUSES HEADACHE CaseFile takes you on a little tour of the causes of back of head headache in this instance supposedly from arthritis of the neck. Mrs P, a 73 year old woman, consulted me four months ago complaining of cervical neck pain, back of the head headache, pain in her right shoulder and tingling in her arm. It all started after a terrible fall down a Dutch staircase when she cracked her head at the bottom against the plinth. She was diagnosed at the time with concussion, otherwise just a few bruises. Over the year she had various medical treatments with less than satisfactory results, perhaps because they attributed her headaches to arthritis. However, read on ... Three years ago she consulted her doctor again. "What's giving me such headaches and neck pain, Doctor?" X-rays were ordered. I'm not sure, but her doctor was probably shocked when s/he saw the rontgenfotos. I certainly was.
BACK OF HEAD HEADACHE
REPORT OF FINDINGSWHAT CAUSES HEADACHE CaseFileMrs P's doctor told her that she had bad arthritis of the neck, and she would have to learn to live with the pain. So she took his word for it. Twenty-five years of stiff neck and headache.Chiropractically I had to report to her the outlook was not good. Yet I have learn't not to dampen hope, that all important ingredient of the health-bake. Dash her hopes with the seriousness of the situation and all was lost. However the reality of the situation I had to report honestly. She already knew (from the examination) that the skin in C5 dermatome was hypersensitive. Worse, there was motor weakness in the Deltoid and Biceps muscles in her right arm. But I told here: "Mrs P there is really much to be done. Your headaches are coming from the second vertebra at the top of your neck, and there is little arthritis up there."
TREATMENTThere was one further complication, an important one. Mrs P had high blood pressure, controlled by medication: 150/70. That didn't bother me, but, a big BUT, in 2003 she had several TIAs and then a stroke. She was certainly in the high risk group for upper cervical manipulation. Read more about stroke chiropractic.STROKE CHIROPRACTIC So we started conservatively with mobilisation of the lower part which had so much arthritis of the neck, use of an activator instrument for her C2 fixation, and adjustment of the Acromio-clavicular joint fixation in her right shoulder. Bingo! After only 4 treatments she said she had 40% less pain and could sleep normally. Eventually, after discussing the risks I have been very gently adjusting her upper cervical spine, whilst mobilising the lower arthritic neck. I had to pinch myself yesterday. Coming in for her six weekly treatment she declared she has no headaches and minimal neck pain. It's stiff without a doubt, and she's sleeping normally for the first time in years. Unfortunately she slipped on the ice last week, and her inversion sprain of the ankle is a beauty. That Chiropractic excels in too. Read more about Chiropractic Ankle Sprain treatment. What made the difference?WHAT CAUSES HEADACHE CaseFileThe treatment, yes of course, but just as important a careful, thorough physical examination that revealed that her real pain, the suboccipital headaches, was not coming from the arthritic lower neck.Her lower neck is a mess too, but in comparison to her upper neck troubles ... she's one very happy lady. Now to fix her ankle!
ANKLE JOINT PAIN CASE FILE ... Pinched nerve in neckNEVER underestimate the effect of poor posture and habits on the spine. They can be devastating. Right now I've moved back to my native South Africa, and my set-up at the computer can only be described as terrible. We'll change it within a week, already I can feel the effect in my neck, arm and shoulders.Think this lady will soon have a pinched nerve in neck?
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BRACHIAL PLEXUS
Arm Pain
SHOULDER
"The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord and controls muscle movements and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand."
Mayo Clinic
Shoulder anatomy ...
Frozen shoulder ...
"My thumb, forefinger and middle finger went weak after cuff surgery."
"Hello,I take it you've been back to the surgeon.
It's probably temporary inflammation of the median nerve, but of course could be worse... I'm afraid I don't think chiropractic has anything to offer at this stage.
Once everything has healed up, if you don't get the strength back, or your fingers remain numb and tingly, then I'd consult a local chiro to see if there is also a problem in your neck or the first rib.
Dr B"
Letter from reader looking for advice.
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