Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Springfield office, and Dr. Delson has been able to provide relief for many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all adults struggle with some kind of headache problem, so this really isn't surprising. One of the most frequent kinds of headaches which our patients experience is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic treatment can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from an issue in the cervical spine. It can easily be caused by a problem with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be caused by 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 about headache discomfort.

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

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Considering cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is causing them is corrected, it is critical to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a great deal of relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts evaluated 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them received chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was found that chiropractic offered the optimum outcomes.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments provided patients enhanced pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. What's more, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Delson can do for you and your headache pain, 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/