Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of men and women with headaches in our Springfield office, and Dr. Delson has been able to aid many of them. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some sort of headache condition, so this certainly isn't a surprise. One of the most frequent kinds of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic care 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 an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be because of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine creates constriction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache pain.

How can you know if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from being given a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is causing them is remedied, it is essential to receive treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that provides a great deal of headache pain relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic offered the most beneficial results.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments provided patients enhanced pain relief and reduced the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Delson can do for you and your headaches, call us 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/