Question
My daughter is 13. About a year ago, she developed rt sided headaches which occur daily.  At that time, she was involved in gymnastics and dancing. She had a MRI of her head which was normal. Over time, she has developed severe tenderness at the base of the neck with continued daily headaches associated with severe nausea to the point that it is now limiting her activities.  She has been prescribed various meds by a neurologist which if anything have lessened the headaches only slightly.  Chiropractic adjustments seem to help for a few hours, maybe a day and then the headaches are back. Ice seems to help. We are now going to start seeing a physical therapist.

Answer
Dear Mary Beth,

Your daughter's tenderness and headaches sound related to muscular tensions, which cause headaches.

My guess is that she had a gymnastics fall that caused her neck muscles to go into spasm.

I've written an article on headaches, accessible at somatics.com/page4b.htm, which contains a suggested course of action.  I'd also suggest you read the article on whiplash injuries.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold