A primary headache is said to be due to the headache "condition" by itself.   Primary headaches they say are the most common.    

The most common primary headache types are:

1. Migraine Headache
2. Tension-Type Headache
3. Cluster Headaches

A secondary headache is a headache that is caused by another condition other than the headache itself.    

The most common secondary headache types are:

1. Cervicogenic Headache (This literally means a headache due to a neck problem) 
2. Post-Traumatic Headache (ex: Car accident trauma, again likely a neck problem)
3. Rebound Headache (ex: Overuse of drugs)
4. Sinus Headache
5. Illness Headache (ex: Meningitis, Stroke, Aneurysm, Brain Tumor, etc.)

Whether your headache is primary or secondary if we go with the law of averages the most common cause of chronic headaches is by far an underlying neck problem.  The truth is there is overlap between primary and secondary headaches.  This is why in our opinion primary and secondary headache definitions are a poor way to categorize headaches.  All headaches are caused by something so these definitions make it confusing.  We feel there is no need for the distinction of primary or secondary headache.  We should also point out that the majority of people that suffer with chronic headaches will appear to have a stable predictable sequence of symptoms that will occur again and again over months and  unfortunately in many cases years.     

​As we noted above underlying neck dysfunction is by far the most common cause of chronic headaches.  Dr. Blom is a local upper cervical chiropractor that specializes in the treatment of neck and neck related disorders.  If you suspect you have an underlying neck problem that may be causing your headaches you are more than welcome to give us a call directly to schedule an appointment (208) 559-0541 or you can click the link below to schedule. 

​A concussion is said to be a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), that occurs due to a hit or blow to the head, neck or body, that results in a whiplash type injury where the head and brain move quickly back and forth.  There is a high probability that a concussion type injury will not only damage the soft tissues of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord but also  very commonly over looked is damage to the spinal structures where the head and neck meet.  In many cases damage further down the spine will also occur.  

When someone has suffered a concussion it is wise to monitor them carefully and take appropriate action as needed.  Listed below are the most common signs and symptoms seen with concussion injuries. 

1.  ​Appears dazed or stunned to others
2.  Forgets instructions, seems confused
3.  May seem unaware of what is going on around them
4.  Movement is clumsy
5.  Is slow to answer questions
6.  If lost consciousness (even briefly)
7.  Changes in mood, behavior, or personality

1.  ​Headache or a feeling of "pressure" in the head (suspect neck injury as well)
2.  Nausea or vomiting
3.  Balance problems or dizziness, double vision, or blurry vision
4.  Sensitivity to light or sound
5.  Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
6.  Confusion, memory, and concentration problems
7.  Just not feeling right or feeling down (depressed)

We find it fascinating on how the symptoms of a concussion seem eerily similar to the symptoms of a migraine headache.  Is this a coincidence or something more?  We have found over the years that many migraine headache sufferers have had a previous concussion type injury to their head and neck that went untreated.  Injuries that commonly result in concussion are car accidents, sports injuries, slips and falls etc. 

In many instances these concussion cases will not show up in our office for another 10-15 years, never realizing until it is pointed out that they had a spinal injury along with their concussion whiplash type injury that was left uncorrected.  This is in our opinion one of the most common causes of headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain that slowly develops over time.  
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Wouldn't it be great if we could have addressed the spinal injury shortly after it happened and corrected it then, instead of 10-15 years later when it is now a chronic condition? 

An evaluation by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor is a good idea if you have suffered a concussion, as they have the training necessary to detect spinal injury and misalignment which is the underlying cause of many common health problems that develop slowly over time following a concussion injury.  Dr. Grayson Blom of Boise Idaho is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor that specializes in the detection and treatment of head and neck misalignment and other spinal related disorders. 

To schedule a consultation to see if you are a candidate for care click the button below or call our office directly at (208) 559-0541. 

A recent case report published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research describes the story of a 63 year old woman that presented for care with right sided Meniere's disease after an unsuccessful attempt at surgical section of her vestibular nerve.  Prior to surgery the patient was offered and utilized drug therapy to control her symptoms, as well as a low sodium diet.  As with many cases prior to upper cervical chiropractic care, neck dysfunction or injury was not even considered in the diagnosis or the treatment strategy with this patients previous healthcare providers.  Up to this point the patient had been suffering from Meniere's disease for 14 years! 

Upon examination the patient was found to have signs of upper neck dysfunction in her spinal column via palpation, range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, and postural assessment.  Precision x-rays were taken of the neck to determine and quantify the level of dysfunction in the upper neck.  The x-rays also revealed a loss of the patients normal spinal curvature in the neck, and the spinal discs and vertebral bodies were degenerated and arthritic.  A precision x-ray derived vectored adjustment was developed from the patients unique anatomy as determined from the precision x-rays taken.  A precision correction was given and then a post x-ray assessment and analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of the correction.  
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As the patient began to heal she had a rather dramatic change in symptoms.  During an interview the patient stated that "I was normal again... It was great to have the feeling that I would not have to take medication any longer to make it go away."  In the months following the patient was able to discontinue the use of prescription drugs and utilize upper cervical chiropractic care to manage her Meniere's disease symptoms, she had been worried about the dangerous side effect from the long term use of prescription drugs.

There needs to be more awareness of methods that are non-invasive for the treatment and management of vertigo and Meniere's disease.  It would seem logical that anyone that suffers with vertigo or Meniere's symptoms should have their neck evaluated by an Upper Cervical Chiropractic spinal expert. 

From a healthcare stand point Meniere's disease is one of the most challenging dysfunctions of the inner ear to treat in patients.  Did you know there are currently about 615,000 individuals in the US diagnosed with Meniere's disease, and this number is expected grows by about 45,000 per year according the NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders).  How many of the estimated 615,000 Meniere's cases have had a previous injury to their head and neck? How many could potentially have an undiagnosed spinal problem in their upper neck?  To date we are not aware of any drug that can correct a spinal misalignment.  

Many patients do not realize the neck plays a significant role in balance control.  Misalignment and dysfunction of the upper neck can irritate the nerves in this area and interfere with proper blood flow, as well as cerebrospinal fluid flow in and out of the head which can affect the function of these structures.  This would seem like an obvious and logical thing to consider.  

As research continues to emerge it appears as though upper cervical chiropractic care is the non-invasive treatment of choice for Meniere's disease and vertigo patients.  
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To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and Meniere's disease download our e-book below.