The symptoms of headache and head pain that you describe are consistent with muscle tension on the muscles of the back of the head/neck, and also what we call "the vertebral subluxation complex". Basically the VSC is when the joints of the spine are not moving properly. The vertebrae in the neck are very moble (think of all the ways your head moves), when they are not moving properly or are stuck they can cause pain in the head or even other areas of the body. The muscles of the neck are also intimately correlated with headaches. The muscles at the base of the skull have been found to be attached to the dura mater in the neck (the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord). If these muscles are tight then they can pull on the outer lining of the brain and cord and cause "meningeal tension/compression", in effect squeezing down on the brain and spinal cord.


Chiropractic treatments can be very effective in the treatment of headaches and muscle pain. It is suggested that you consult with a chiropractor to see if your case can be treated with chiropractic care. Good luck





Antonio Marotta, D.C.