As with a multitude of diverse pathologies, according to the Source that spoke through Mr. Cayce, conscious and unconscious thoughts and attitudes, imbalance and disharmony in the Autonomic Nervous System (which controls all bodily functions), disruptions in normal digestive processes, and (vasomotor) blood flow abnormalities were the cause of most headaches. Mr. Cayce very often related organic pathologies to neural ‘impingements’ about the spine and pelvis which were caused by biomechanical impairment of the joint structures (subluxation). In other words, the cause of headache is most often not in the head itself.
Some years back I attended a continuing education seminar given by an MD neurologist who attributed the majority of headaches to biomechanical lesions in the spine, particularly the neck. He claimed that the latest scientific research validated this hypothesis, and the term describing this phenomena is ‘cervicogenic headache,’ (origin in the cervical spine).
The Autonomic Nervous System is composed of two components: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, or ‘vegetative’ as described in the readings. The sympathetic nervous system is made up of small nerve centers (ganglia) that exit and attach to the spine at all levels. I think of these as computer chips connected to the brain (which act as the body’s Central Processing Unit). Both sympathetic and parasympathetic components send information and receive commands from the brain.
Sympathetic nerves run on the same chemicals as are secreted by the adrenal gland, responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response in reaction to stress. The changes in physiology due to this adaptive capacity can be critical to survival, but protracted alarm states can lead to dis-ease. The other main function of sympathetic ganglia is the control of blood flow patterns throughout the body and brain. We do not circulate blood in a continuous and equal flow: When engaged in one thing, for example exercise, more blood is distributed to the muscles, while less blood flows to the digestive processes. Since the brain is in control, with this change certain areas of the brain receive less blood while other areas receive more.
Despite its prevalence as the third most common dis-ease in the world, the basic physiology and underlying mechanisms contributing to the development of migraine is still poorly understood. The hypothesis we were taught was related to sympathetic nerve distress leading to less blood flow in certain areas of the brain. This was followed by an adaptive (life saving) response of flaccid over-dilation to keep brain tissue working. It was thought this phenomenon of over dilation of the wall of the arteries in the brain was responsible for the pounding heart rhythm headache of migraine.
Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become contracted and over tense. While stress, head injury and anxiety can contribute to tension headache, it is also well understood that biomechanical impairment in the neck (subluxation), as from old injuries, poor erect and sleep posture or advanced degenerative joint/disc disease, always produces reactive joint inflammation and reflex (guarding) muscle spasm in the neck and scalp. Bruce Baar says that pain relief from headache can often be had by rubbing “Baar Balm” into the temples.
Brain tissue is most sensitive to lack of oxygen, low blood sugar, and toxins. Slowed motility through the colon, or even worse, outpocketings of the wall of the colon (Diverticulum), were identified by Mr. Cayce’s Source as producing re-circulation of toxic waste into the body’s structures. We were taught that chronic under-hydration, too soft a diet with insufficient bulk (cellulose), and insufficient daily exercise such as walking were common causes for colon problems. An unhealthy colon may be partly responsible for the nausea, vomiting and visual changes related to headache.
The readings also stated that Vitamin B1 could also be deficient. Our instructor in nutrition stated that the B complex of vitamins was most responsible for healthy and normal brain function, and our diet should be heavy in the foods that deliver these vitamins. It is very common for older individuals to become deficient in B12 due to lack of absorption and metabolism. Under-the-tongue (sublingual) delivery or injections of this vitamin is important for recovery. Common symptoms of B12 deficiency include numbness, muscle weakness, and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, confusion and dementia.
Stress related ‘triggers’ often precede headache and can be a result of fear, worry, shock, depression, excitement and mental fatigue, or eating certain foods. Most of us are familiar with the Cayce axiom; “Mind is the builder, or mind is the slayer” which helps us remember that thoughts are things and we should work to keep our thoughts positive. Zig Zigler, a famous author and motivational speaker talked of those unfortunate souls who perpetually engaged in ‘stinking thinking’ and experienced the sad consequences of this habit in their lives. Many students of Cayce believe that spiritual reading first thing in the morning and just before bedtime sets the mental tone for constructive, positive thinking. It is an effective antidote to the ‘noisome pestilence’ that so often is about us. Following reading I try and take some time for prayer and meditation using the Cayce form as used in the Search For God groups and outlined in Elsie Sechrist’s book, “Meditation, Gateway to Light.” On the subject of stress, Hans Selye, MD, who first coined the term, ultimately concluded that with us human folk, “It is not so much what happens, but how we take it.”
It can be said that any stimulus that reacts adversely in the nervous, circulatory or digestive system can result in headaches. Mr. Cayce’s Source saw four areas of therapy that would be effective in alleviating the underlying causes of headache: Biomechanical impairment in the spine, or subluxation was the most important to address requiring physical therapy and hands-on release. Mental and emotional distress were important, as well as intestinal abnormality with resulting systemic toxicity was also important. Internal acid-alkaline balance was another factor in etiology which could be corrected by diet. Most students of the Cayce readings come to understand the importance of adopting an 80% fruits and vegetables lifestyle with light meats (fish, fowl, lamb), nuts and seeds while limiting highly processed, fried or sugary foods. This produces an alkaline internal atmosphere boosting immune system strength, quickly overcoming infections and at the same time is anti-inflammatory in its effect.
Both Osteopathic and Chiropractic Physicians were taught the concept of pathological ‘somato-visceral reflex’ and this concept was the basis of their founding. The term describes how disturbances in the body frame, particularly the spine and pelvis, can and often do have pathological consequence in the organs and circulatory patterns. These days it is the Chiropractic Physicians who give primary emphasis on the manual approach to healing, with various forms of physical therapy, hands on massage and instruction in rehabilitation stretch being perfect compliments. Increasingly, Physical Therapists are trained in hands on spinal manipulation and, from my personal experience, they do pretty good work. As to quantity of needed treatment it was not uncommon for the Source of the readings to recommend as many as 20 or 30, or even more, given in incrementally fewer series, with breaks between series to reach maximum medical improvement.
Some in the Chiropractic profession practice spinal manipulation only. In good conscience I cannot endorse such a practice that is absent any connective and soft tissue therapy and exercise instruction. From my experience, such a practice may give temporary (palliative) pain relief but full recovery of lost function rarely ever occurs. One must work to rebalance the muscles about the spine and pelvis that support the frame if long term recovery is to be had. The root cause of chronic spinal and pelvic biomechanical impairment is much more complex than simply getting audible joint release through adjustment. As to quality of care and outcome, which can vary widely, I suggest one find online reviews on Google or Healthgrades before consulting anyone involved in health care.
True healing, rehabilitation and recovery from dis-ease is a partnership between doctor and patient. With patience, persistence and consistency in needed treatment, doing your part with diet, home therapies and exercise, one may eliminate the factors at the root of headaches.
Dr. John Bomar, a 1978 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, practices in Arkadelphia, Ark. He is a past board member of the Arkansas Chiropractic Association and a founding board member of the Arkansas Chiropractic Educational Society.
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