Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a large number of individuals with headaches in our Decatur office, and Dr. Harrison has been able to assist many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults have a problem with some kind of headache problems, so this certainly isn't shocking. One of the most prevalent sorts of headaches that our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic adjustments can often help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Defined

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from problems in the cervical spine. It can be generated by a problem with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine contributes to compression or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache problems.

How do you know if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is initiating them is corrected, it is essential to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that can provide a great deal of headache pain relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half of them received chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial effects.

Specifically, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more pain relief and diminished the frequency of headaches that occurred. On top of that, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Harrison can do for you and your headache pain, call our office today. We'll do our best to get you the pain relief you deserve!

References

• Haas M, Schneider M, Vavrek D. Illustrating risk difference and number needed to treat from a randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010 18(9).
• World Health Organization. (2012, October). Headache disorders. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/