Differentiating Headache in Athletes and Active Patients

Headache is one of the most common reasons for visits to a doctor and the second most common reason for visits to a chiropractor. Athletes, and physically active patients, are no exception and can present a unique diagnostic challenge with potential overlapping sub-types and/or connections to trauma. This course will review the major headache syndromes and best practice treatments, with particular attention to those commonly found in athletes and patients who lead active lifestyles.

• •Identify and differentiate between primary headache types (migraines, tension-type, cluster) and secondary headaches in athletic populations
• •Assess the relationship between cervicogenic headaches and cervical spine dysfunction in active patients
• •Recognize how concussions and head trauma contribute to post-traumatic headaches in athletes
• •Evaluate the role of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and musculoskeletal factors in headache presentation
• •Apply evidence-based chiropractic management strategies appropriate for athlete-specific headache presentations
• •Determine when referral to other healthcare providers is necessary for headache management
• •Develop patient education strategies for headache prevention and management in active populations