This article is one of a series covering headaches — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
→ Headache & Migraine Treatment in New York City — The Complete Guide
Headaches are a very common patient complaint. Each type of headache has a different underlying cause which needs to be addressed to achieve a satisfactory outcome. A study done in 2020 over the last two decades suggests that the best conservative and non-pharmaceutical approach could be a top down or bottom up approach. Let’s explain what this means.
When a headache is caused by musculoskeletal problems, the study concluded that a bottom up approach will most likely benefit the patient. For example, cervicogenic headaches are mostly caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine. Headache such as this will most likely respond well to cervical spinal manipulation and other forms of manual therapy. These are commonly offered by chiropractors. Tension headaches may have a few underlying causes, but the most common of these is tight muscles in the back of the neck. Treatment to relax his muscles may help reduce the headaches and their frequency.
Migraine research is still being conducted, but what researchers think is the most common cause is chemical interactions in the brain. Researchers reported that a top down approach like cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and neuroscience education could be most helpful to a patient suffering from migraines.
Because each case is unique and headaches have different causes, the study mentions that the ideal bottom up and top down treatments depend on the doctor’s diagnosis. There is no one size that fits all. There are some studies that show that migraine headache patients may experience less headaches after receiving treatments from a chiropractor such as manual therapies.
In conclusion, the study states that a multi modal approach will most likely benefit patients the most. This includes spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, soft tissue therapies, needling, exercise, specific exercise, and cognitive interventions.
Come and see yesterday if you are experiencing any type of migraine or headache. We use all of the approaches above, and will analyze your whole body so that you can achieve the best results possible.
Do you have pain or discomfort? Reach out today! Through chiropractic, physical therapy and other treatment options, we have many options to help you. Schedule an appointment today or call us (212) 371-2000
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.