Q: What research is being done on using chiropractic techniques to treat headaches?
A: There are not a lot of studies looking specifically at chiropractic techniques for treating headaches. One metanalysis of non-invasive treatments for headaches, written by Dr. David Biondi (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, May, 2005), showed that chiropractic treatment resulted in a trend toward improvement in tension-type headaches but not migraines. Physical therapy was shown to be beneficial for both, but most of the studies did not have rigorous scientific design or specific data showing a quantitative improvement in headache frequency or intensity. Stanton and Jull (Headache, Oct. 2003) studied cervicogenic headaches and compared the benefit of manipulative therapy vs. therapeutic exercise. They found that patients did better if they received both, compared to just receiving manipulative therapy alone, because the passive nature of manipulation does not positively affect patients’ sense of control over their health.
I agree that a well-designed study is needed to assess the benefits of chiropractic treatments in different headache syndromes. We may find that chiropractic treatment is particularly beneficial for a specific patient type.
Susan M. Rubin, MD, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Glenview, IL
