A Holistic Approach to Severe Headache Symptoms
in a Patient Unresponsive to Regional Manual Therapy

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1996 (Mar);   19 (3):   202–207

Stude DE, Sweere JJ

Wolfe-Harris Center for Clinical Studies,
Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
Bloomington, Minnesota 55431, USA

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OBJECTIVE:   To discuss the case of a patient suffering from severe headache complaints who was previously unresponsive to regional cervical spine care.

CLINICAL FEATURES:   A prodrome was described. In addition to headache itself, associated symptoms included light sensitivity, blurred vision and nausea. A visit to a hospital emergency room was often necessary to reduce pain intensity.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES:   Manual chiropractic spinal adjustment were performed as the only treatment intervention. After a course of treatment, the patient reported no visits to the emergency room, even after a 1-yr follow-up, and the average visual analogue pain scores decreased.

CONCLUSION:   This patient seemed to respond favorably to conservative care that included regions of spine not traditionally associated with headache pain. This suggests that some individuals may require a more comprehensive evaluation if regional care fails to promote a positive response within a few weeks. Controlled, randomized trials will assist in comparing effectiveness of various treatment interventions.

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