Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of people with headaches in our Arlington office, and Jefferson Spine & Injury Center has been able to aid many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all adults have a problem with some kind of headache disorder, so this actually isn't unexpected. One of the most common kinds of headaches that our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic therapy can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from a problem in the cervical spine. It can be caused by a problem with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be attributable to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine contributes to squeezing or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache issues.

How can you determine if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Besides obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Because cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is generating them is remedied, it is vital to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a considerable amount of relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. One-half got chiropractic care and the other half underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the optimum effects.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more pain relief and lessened the frequency of headaches that occurred. Additionally, it also mitigated the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Jefferson Spine & Injury Center can do for you and your headaches, 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/