Background:
While it is well known that many headaches are due to neck pain – this type of headache is called cervicogenic, or originating from the neck – what is not so well known is that low back pain is also associated with headaches.
What does the Research Show?
This study reported in the Journal of Headache and Pain was a “mega-study,” in other words it was based on research from several studies, and involved 450,000 total participants who suffered from both low back pain as well as headaches. The researchers found 14 studies that reported an association between “primary headache disorders and persistent low back pain.”
Why does this Happen?
A great deal of evidence suggests that dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, in particular a disfunction involving the spine, the spinal nerves and surrounding muscles, is clearly a cause for low back pain, and, frequently, for headache as well.
What is the Lesson Learned?
This is yet another exceptionally large study that suggests the helpfulness of chiropractic care. Perhaps chiropractors helping with one’s low back pain may relieve headaches as well. In fact, chiropractic care is recommended as first line treatment for low back pain by both the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.
Yours for better health,
Jon Mills, DC