#7 – Headaches – Structural

Headaches and migraines from misalignment of the cervical vertebrae can occur.  In fact, headaches that begin with misalignment of the neck are so common they have been given a specific name.  They are called Cervicogenic headaches.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches

• Headaches preceded and accompanied by neck pain or strain.
• Pain on one side of your head or face.
• Pain limited to and staying in one place.  The pain may be in the front or the back or the side of the head.  However, it is very likely to center around the eyes or, even more likely, around just one eye.
• Headaches brought on by particular neck postures or movements of the neck.
• Pain while coughing, sneezing or, even, taking a deep breath.
• Headaches that are accompanied by dizziness and vertigo.  Vision may be blurry.
• Usually, nausea and vomiting accompany this headache pain.
• The condition – neck pain and headache – are family traits.  Apparently, a tendency to misalignment of one sort or another can be an inherited condition.  Is this tendency by heredity or environment?  Is it brought on by familial habits of sitting or standing?
• Throbbing or steady pain – either one.  This is a very confusing symptom.
• Pain may last only a few hours.  However, if the neck remains misaligned the pain may last for days and beyond.
• There may be a pain in the arm or the shoulder.
• Bright lights are uncomfortable or nauseating.

“Genic”

I looked up the meaning of the work “genic” (from cervico-genic).  Interesting information surfaced.  (The history and usage of words is a fascinating study!) “Genic” means, basically, “having to do with, or associated, with a genetic (genes) inheritance.”  Note, above, that one of the symptoms listed as descriptive of this type of headache is “runs in the family.”  These headaches can also result from an injury to the cervical vertebrae but, judging by the descriptive name of the condition, a great many of these headaches (enough to affect the name of them) also have inherited aspects.

The Upper Cervical Spine

Understanding the structure and functions of the cervical vertebrae and their effect on the head and the brain will, perhaps, help us to better understand the relationship of the neck to headaches and migraines.

Structure of the Upper Cervical Spine

Seven cervical vertebrae form the neck region.  The first two vertebrae (termed the atlas and the axis) are shaped much differently from the other cervical vertebrae and from the rest of the vertebrae that make up the spine.  This is because they perform functions that the other vertebrae do not need to perform.

The Atlas

The uppermost cervical vertebrae, the atlas, is named for the Greek mythological god who was said to bear the world on his shoulders.  This is quite an appropriate naming. This vertebra, quite literally, supports and bears up the head.  In addition, it affects and is affected by the shoulders. The atlas has large depressions on each side.  The condyles, bones protruding from the base of the skull, fit into these depressions.  This arrangement allows the head to bend forward in a nodding motion.

The Axis

The axis is the second vertebrae of the spine. It sits directly below the atlas and forms one of only three pivot joints in the body. The other two pivot joints are your elbows. The axis pivot joint allows the head to rotate from side to side.  Put simply, the atlas allows the head to nod “yes” and the axis allows the head to shake a “no” response. “Jamming” or damage to this pivot joint can create a lot of unpleasant symptoms. In my opinion as a midwife, if I had my way every baby would have an initial visit or two with a chiropractor or craniosacral specialist to correct any problems that may have been created to this area of the baby’s neck during labor and delivery. Misalignment and malfunction in this part of the neck produces a domino-like effect on the entire spine and then affects the nervous and circulatory systems as well.

 Misalignment of the Atlas and Axis Symptoms

There are a host of problems associated with misalignment of these upper cervical vertebrae. Among them are:

• Dizziness, vertigo.
• Tinnitus.
• Trigeminal neuralgia.
• Chronic Sinusitis.
• Cervical pain and stiff neck.  As a result, there may be spasms of the muscles of the neck.
• Shoulder misalignment and pain.  Consequently, there may be headaches.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Herniated or compressed discs.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Eyesight problems.
• “Short leg” syndrome.
• Chronic middle ear inflammation.
• Abnormal heart rhythms.
• Blood pressure fluctuations.
• Gastric reflux.
• Chronic diarrhea and/or constipation.
• Insomnia.
• Allergies and hay fever.
• Learning disabilities.
• Seizures.
• Sciatica.
• Leg pain.
• Pain in the knees or feet.
• A tendency to cold hands and feet.

 

Functions of the Upper Cervical Spine

The upper spine has many functions but our focus today will be the functions as they relate to the head and to the brain.

Supporting the Head

The head is a rather heavy object to be held up by such a narrow column as the spine is and by such small structures as the upper vertebrae are.  The weight of the head is, quite literally, balanced on the atlas (C1 vertebrae).  If this vertebrae’s connection to the skull or to the axis (C2 vertebrae) is out of alignment, the weight of the head becomes unevenly distributed.  The result?  Excess pressure placed on the neck, also.  Consequently, there is strain felt in the neck and throughout the entire spinal column.  The tension in the spine results in pain, tingling, and numbness to every nerve and soft tissue that the spinal nerves feed.  In other words, all over the body and throughout all bodily organs!

Facilitating Movement

The unique design of the C1 and C2 vertebrae make possible more than half of the possible movements of the head.  Unfortunately, the wide range and types of motions accomplished by the upper cervical spine results in more types of misalignments than are common in other areas of the body.

Protecting the Brainstem and Spinal Cord.

The bottom portion of the brainstem extends into the C1 vertebrae.  The brainstem connects to the spinal cord at this juncture.  The bones of the upper cervical spine protect the delicate nerve bundles of the brainstem.  Even slight misalignment here makes these bones a potentially damaging influence on essential nerves and other structures.

Enabling Blood Flow to the Brain

The cervical (neck) vertebrae have openings that allow arteries to provide blood, and therefore, oxygen and nutrients to the brain.  Proper alignment of this vertebrae – the neck being aligned properly – is crucial in order for the brain to receive sufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients to function optimally.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid bathes the brain, and moreover, moves up and down the spine.  It lubricates the spinal cord and the brain tissues.  Nutrients, as well as vital nerve impulses, pass through this fluid medium.  Misalignment of the neck constricts the movement of the Cerebrospinal Fluid.  As a result of this constriction, there are dire consequences for the central nervous system.

Maintaining Alignment

Structural alignment is so important for our health.  It is important not only to align the spinal structures but many other bones in the head.  The CranioSacral modality is the best way that I know to align the bones and sutures and even joints (temporomandibular joints) of the head. To explain this properly from the perspective of the CranioSacral modality, would take a great deal of time and space.  Suffice it to say for today’s discussion that misalignment of the neck subsequently puts a strain on everything from the temporomandibular joints of the jaws to the tip of the sacrum.  Misalignment will, sooner or later, throw off the balance and motion of all of the bones of the head, including the sphenoid.  Since the sphenoid articulates with a great many other bones of the cranium in important ways, balance and alignment here are critical.  You can find a CranioSacral specialist here.  If you are interested in training to be a CranioSacral specialist check out our classes here. There are studies and statistics that unquestionably tie jaw tension, tinnitus and temporomandibular joint issues to migraine pain.  This makes perfect sense to a practitioner of the CranioSacral modality. It also makes sense to someone like me who has suffered from both TMJ and migraine headaches.  For more information check out my TMJ blog. It is quite easy to see why misalignment in the vertebrae of the neck and jaw leads to migraine headaches.  A little less obvious – unless you have studied CranioSacral theory and practice – is the fact that misalignment anywhere from the jaw to the tailbone is just as likely to be the cause of a person’s headache/migraine pain.

Tinnitus and Migraines 

Tinnitus – annoying ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears – has a multitude of causes.  About 200 different health conditions have tinnitus as part of their symptom picture. In a study with 100 participants reported in Biomedical Research, a correlation between tinnitus and headaches such as migraines was seen. Interestingly, if the tinnitus was in the right ear, the headache tended to be on the right side of the head. This was true, also, of the left ear. Additionally, if a headache became more severe the tinnitus also got worse. Similarly, if the tinnitus got worse, the headache pain increased also. Scientists believe – and studies confirm – that pain fibers originating from the trigeminal nerve (the largest of the cranial nerves) release inflammatory peptides. These peptides, combined with any relaxing and widening of the blood vessels that reach and supply the brain, bring on the throbbing pain of migraine attacks. Research tends to indicate that, most often, headaches precede tinnitus. It is clear from some studies, however, that tinnitus from any one of the multitudes of possible causes sensitized the nervous system. This heightened sensitivity results in migraines which occur on the same side of the head. The link between tinnitus and migraines was stronger for those whose migraines began with an aura than for those whose headache pain did not include visual disturbances as a forerunner to the headache pain.

Creating Misalignment of the Cervical Spine

There are, also many ways people cause misalignment of their necks.  On the whole, most of them require very little effort to accomplish!  Here are just a few examples.

• Any kind of head or neck trauma.  It does not even have to be a serious injury.  For example, it takes a collision of only 5 mph to cause a whiplash-type injury that may create problems here.
• A fairly light blow to the top of the head.
• A concussion or other injury while playing sports – or just playing.
• Even a simple slip or fall may, subsequently, result in misalignment.
• In addition, a desk job where improper posture is sustained over a period of several hours may be sufficient to create problems.
• A habit of looking down to check a mobile device too frequently.
• As you can see, many simple everyday actions and events put a strain on the neck.

Migraines and Misalignment of the Cervical Spine

Misalignment here creates migraines because it affects, as stated above, the entire central nervous system.  These compromises to the nervous system may cause migraines and headaches in the following ways.

• May put pressure on the brain-stem thus damaging communication between the brain and the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
• May put pressure on the spinal cord, thus pulling and straining it.
• Blocks blood flow to the head and to the brain.
• Creates pooling of cerebrospinal fluid as proper drainage of fluid from the head to the spine does not occur.  This extra fluid puts pressure on delicate brain tissues and, as a result, hampers normal nerve function.

Misalignment results in damage to soft tissues in the neck as well as to the nerves.  Interestingly, even if misalignment here is the source of a migraine, there may or may not be pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders.  There usually is – but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Suggestions and Solutions

Essential Oil Solutions

^LeMillenia

^LeMillenia is, far and away, the most important essential oil for the realignment of physical structures of the body. It aligns electrical, and energetic aspects, as well. ^LeMillenia essential oil blend is an amazing conjunctive to chiropractic, craniosacral, foot zone, or any other method of realigning the neck and spine. Because ^LeMillenia realigns physical structures, affects the firing of nerves, and relaxes muscles it is beneficial for a variety of headache types.  It really doesn’t matter to ^LeMillenia whether the problem is in the bones of the neck or of the spine or of the sacrum.  ^LeMillenia will work with the muscles involved. It will quiet any muscle spasms and nerve pain that may be occurring as a result of the physical misalignment issues. Although a very physical oil blend, ^LeMillenia is one of my favorite blends for finding the courage to move forward with confidence and faith.  ^LeMillenia aids us with issues about speaking up for ourselves and our beliefs or being fearful of conflict and disagreement.  This blend is perfect when we have difficult decisions to make or difficult actions to take. Apply ^LeMillenia, diluted also, anywhere on the body.  All along the spine, from neck to coccyx, is an excellent way to utilize the properties of this blend.  Applying along the inside of the foot – the spine signals of foot zone therapy – is more convenient and very effective.

^LeTendaCare

^LeTendaCare is an excellent massage oil for relaxing muscles.  Obviously, tight muscles will pull bones out of alignment and perpetuate any misalignments that are already present.  ^LeTendaCare is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.  In addition, this blend has some excellent nervine properties.

^LeDeeper

^LeDeeper contains penetrating, anti-inflammatory oils. These oils aid in relieving pain that is deep in the tissues and nerves.  Since my own family members are prone to injuring themselves seriously and regularly, this blend has been worked with and “tweaked” until it is near perfection, in my opinion.

^LeFortitude

This blend is an amazing blend of 4 of the best muscle and bone blends, and the emotional and nerve blend ^LeTranquility.  This blend heals by relaxing muscles, soothing nerves, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and calming nerves.  One of the best of the Butterfly line! Other suggested essential oils blends include ^LeIntensity, ^LeMyGraine, ^LePaine, ^LePatches, and ^LeWarmDown.

Herbal Solutions

Each of the herbal remedies discussed here can be found in the recipe section of the book Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies.

AP

AP was originally formulated to help with arthritis pain.  It provides the nutrients most needed for bone, joint, muscle, and ligament health.

ASP

ASP is an excellent nervine and anti-spasmodic formula. It really shines as a liniment for muscle cramps and spasms created by misalignment of bony structures.  ASP can be taken internally or applied topically as a liniment.  Taken internally, it is also useful for coughs. Some people have reported that they found it effective in working with mild seizures.

BBL

BBL can be taken internally or applied topically.  It is very beneficial for relieving pain, headaches, relaxing muscles, and for rebuilding and healing nerves.  BBL also has many other uses and is one of my favorite tincture combinations.

BHM

BHM (also in the recipe section of the book mentioned above) is the best all-around herbal combination for muscles that I know of. Take it internally as a tea or tincture, as well.  Can be applied as a poultice.  Make it into a salve and apply it that way, if you desire.

Red Clover

Red Clover blossoms, as a tea or as a tincture, aid in rebuilding cartilage.  When discs in the neck or spine are damaged or there are damage and misalignment of joints, there will be cartilage erosion, as well.  The treatment of slipped discs requires this herb.

Homeopathic Solutions

Belladonna

Belladonna’s picture is one of congestive, throbbing, hammering, full-blown headaches.  It is also specific to the curvature of the lumbar spine, the pressure at the sacrum, and stiff neck and shoulder muscles.

Bryonia alba

Bryonia is specific for severe injuries to the neck and spine.  It is also listed as a remedy for slipped discs and vertebrae that are out of place in any way.  Symptoms in the head include migraine headaches that are worse for the least motion.  Bryonia headaches cause extreme pain. The pain is described as bursting, splitting, and as if the head were being hit by a hammer from within.  Interestingly, these headaches are worse from any type of mental exertion.

Gelsemium sempervirens

Headaches of all types and descriptions fit into the Gelsemium picture.  In fact, this remedy is a polycrest remedy for headache pain and migraines.  Gelsemium is also noted for several types of back, neck, and muscle issues.

Kalmia latifolia

Dislocation and pain in the neck and/or lumbar spine describes Kalmia.  This remedy’s picture also includes a wide variety of headaches, some of which are worse by light.  The headaches, of whatever variety, seem to be tied to problems in the neck and spine.

The Sacrum and the Coccyx

Whenever there is injury or dislocation of the spine, there will be trouble in the neck and shoulders and, therefore, in the head.  This is true of even the parts of the spine that are furthest from the head – the sacrum and the coccyx.  Headaches and spinal issues keynote the following remedies – just as they did the previous ones.  The following remedies also include injury to the sacrum and/or coccyx.

Silica terra

Silica lists spinal weakness, continual pain after injuries to the spine, and spinal curvature in its symptoms list.  The symptom picture also includes pain in the lumbosacral regions and in the coccyx.  As one would expect with spinal and coccyx injuries, there is stiffness in the neck accompanied by headaches.  A wide variety of headaches, including those where severe pain is felt only over one eye, are seen in this remedy’s picture.

Phytolacca decandra

The keynotes, for this discussion of head pain, center around the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.  There are both aching pains in these areas and shooting pain from the sacrum up the spine and down the legs – sciatica, in other words.

Aesculus hippocastanum

Classic sacrum injury creating pain up and down the body.  Sciatic pain in hips and legs, pain as if the back is breaking, aching between the shoulder blades, lameness in the neck with headache pain obviously related to central nervous system malfunction that is connected to the spine in some way.

 Kali bichromicum

The Kali bichromicum picture includes nearly every sort of headache and migraine imaginable.  The pain in the sacrum and coccyx are, at the same time, very severe.  The description of sacral pain that is ‘worse walking, sitting, stooping, or being touched’ sums up the connection between the tailbone and the head that is one of the keynotes of this remedy.

Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum is a remedy for anything nerve related.  Coccyx injuries from falls and accidents with pinched nerves in the back tie in with the variety of head pain in the symptom picture of this remedy.

Other Helpful Modalities

Foot Zone

I learned to foot zone more than 20 years ago.  This modality has been one of the most valuable things that I ever learned.  I have had the opportunity to work with more than one person with slipped or crushed discs using a combination of Foot Zone techniques, ^LeMillenia essential oil blend, BHM, and Red Clover tinctures.

CranioSacral

CranioSacral is an absolutely amazing energetic modality for coping with bone, joint, and muscle issues.  This modality can be a very valuable piece of the healing puzzle in ridding oneself of headaches and other pain related to misalignment anywhere in the body. Butterfly Expressions teaches classes in both Foot Zone and CranioSacral.  These classes are designed for the layperson to be able to work with their family members.  The classes are comprehensive enough to start you on your way to working with people in a more professional capacity as well. Chiropractic, Massage, and Yoga may also be helpful.

Life Style

Strengthen your abs and back muscles through effective core exercises. Let your spine really rest while you are sleeping.  This will require you to have mattresses, pillows, and sleep positions that optimize the healing of your particular back issues.  I found this article quite informative. Wear proper shoes.  Good quality shoes provide a base that is supportive of spinal alignment.  Be sure that the shoe fits the back of the heel snugly.  This prevents the foot from rolling either to the inside or to the outside while walking. There is 3 times the load on your spine when you are sitting than when you are standing upright.  Long periods of sitting can create or aggravate problems in the spine.  Please, avoid the natural tendency to slump while sitting at a desk or working at a computer.  Slumping and slouching will stress the lumbar area of the spine.  The right kind of office chair and paying attention to posture while seated can make a very great difference to migraine pain!

---

This blog is part of a series on headaches.  This series includes. . . .