Chronic Headaches = Brain Loss

Although most people get the occasional headache, there are people who experience headaches for more than 15 days each month. They are said to have chronic headaches. It is estimated that between three to five percent of people worldwide have chronic headaches. There are several subtypes of chronic headaches, such as chronic migraine, chronic tension headaches, medication overuse headache, and hemicrania continua (a headache that only affects one side of the face and head).

Researchers examined the brains of people with chronic headaches and compared them with people who didn’t have headaches. The researchers found that patients without headaches had no changes in brain tissue, but patients with chronic headaches did.

And, the longer the patients had their headaches, the more tissue was lost in the brain.

Migraines are more than just severe headaches. Migraines are in a class by themselves. The only thing they have in common with headaches is the head pain. A migraine usually, but not always, involves a severe, unilateral (one-sided) headache that is often described as pulsing or throbbing. In addition to the pain, many people with migraines also become very sensitive to light (photophobia), sounds, and odors. They may also be nauseous and vomit.

Upper Neck Misalignments and Changes in Fluid Flow

When the upper cervical spine is misaligned (subluxated), the blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow is changed to and from the brain. This is being demonstrated with Phase Contrast MRI on the arteries and veins from the brain to the body. Altered fluid flow can change the brain. Our brain needs proper fluids in order to function properly. The longer the misalignment has been present, the more damage is done. Therefore, if the upper neck has become misaligned due to accidents and injuries, then a change is currently happening in the brain.

Do you see the connection?

A misalignment causes altered blood and CSF flow and the brain needs proper blood and CSF flow in order to function properly. Without proper venous drainage, many people begin to suffer with headaches. By correcting the cause and realigning the upper cervical spine with a gentle, safe, and precise procedure such as NUCCA, the blood flow begins to change. As a result, overall brain function is enhanced by getting proper blood flow and headaches frequently go away.

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Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at http://www.healthedgela.com