Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Decatur office, and Dr. Harrison has been able to support many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that half of all adults have difficulties with some manner of headache problem, so this actually isn't unexpected. One of the most typical kinds of headaches which our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic therapy can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from issues in the cervical spine. It might be generated by a problem with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine results in constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache discomfort.

How can you tell if the headache you are enduring is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is corrected, it is important to receive treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a great deal of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. One-half were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the best outcomes.

In particular, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments gave patients more pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. On top of that, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

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

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/