Neck Curve and Headaches Improved Under Chiropractic Care

The Journal of Physical Therapy Science published the results of a case study on February 23, 2022, documenting the substantial reduction in headache frequency and severity, along with the improvement of neck curve of a young woman undergoing chiropractic care.

This study begins by defining cervicogenic headache. "Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is defined as a "secondary type of headache caused by disorders of the cervical spine or any of its components." In other words, these types of headaches come from issues in the neck and are usually only on one side of the head.

In chiropractic, it has been noted that the curvature of the neck has a direct correlation with neck pain. When viewed on a side x-ray, the neck should have a smooth forward sweeping curvature. Many Doctors of Chiropractic have noticed that a reduced or reversed neck curve is more prevalent in patients suffering from headaches. This study examines one such case and documents the results of chiropractic care on both the condition of cervicogenic headache as well as the cervical curvature.  

In this case, a 26-year-old woman went to a chiropractor seeking help for her headaches that were severe enough to cause nausea. The woman reported that she was also suffering with upper back pain, neck pain, and pain on the mid-lower back on her left side.

An examination was performed which included palpation, range of motion, some orthopedic tests, and some muscle tests. Spinal x-rays were also taken in a standing position. The x-rays showed multiple areas of misalignment and the side cervical x-rays showed a curve reversal of a part of the woman neck.

With the information obtained from the examination and x-rays, specific forms of chiropractic care were started to address the spinal abnormalities. The woman was initially seen 25 times over a two month period.

After 25 chiropractic visits, the woman reported a 90% reduction in her headache severity and frequency. Her nausea was completely gone at this point. She also reported a 70% reduction in her neck pain as well as an 80% reduction in mid back and upper back pains. The woman also noted that she was able to sit longer at work and it was easier for her to perform her job duties.

The woman’s neck curve was reevaluated with a follow-up set of spinal x-rays. These new x-rays showed that the neck had improved from a partial reversal of her curve to a more-normal forward curvature. Two and a half years later, the woman reported still maintaining her good improvement.

In their conclusion the authors wrote, "A cervical kyphosis was reversed back to a normal lordosis in 8 weeks and coincided with dramatic resolution of cervicogenic headache in a young female. The cervical lordosis may be a key biomechanical biomarker in cervicogenic headache."