Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our Jacksonville office, and Chanatry Chiropractic has been able to aid many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one half of all adults struggle with some manner of headache problem, so this certainly isn't surprising. One of the most prevalent kinds of headaches that our patients are afflicted by is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic care can often help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from a problem in the cervical spine. It can be a result of an issue with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine contributes to compression or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache discomfort.

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

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is inducing them is remedied, it is vital to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists looked at 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half got chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial outcomes.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments gave patients better pain relief and lessened the frequency of headaches that occurred. Moreover, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Chanatry Chiropractic 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/