Skull dysfunction

Individuals commonly report a multitude of factors or triggers as the cause for the onset of a headache or facial pain. The challenge has always been to understand the many triggers, the diverse symptoms, the chronological characteristics, and the variability of location associated with headache and facial pain. Part I of this article presents theories and hypotheses proposing that the etiology of the final common pathway of headache and facial pain is from pain signals generated within the skull's joints. The model proposes to explain the variability in the triggers, symptoms, chronological aspects, and location known to be associated with headache and facial pain. The evidence to support these theories is clinical and anecdotal at this time. These theories need controlled investigation. A review of the anatomy of the skull's joints is provided. Part II of this article is a step-by-step description of the use of a nasal balloon device for the treatment of skull joint dysfunction. A review of the history and use of this and other methods of skull joint treatment is provided.