Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a large number of men and women with headaches in our Arlington office, and Jefferson Spine & Injury Center has been able to help many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all adults have difficulties with some sort of headache disorder, so this actually isn't shocking. One of the most common sorts of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic care can generally help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from an issue in the cervical spine. It can easily be due to a condition with either the spine itself (specifically, 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 leads to compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache problems.

How can you find out if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Besides receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally followed by 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 receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the optimum effects.

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

To find out what Jefferson Spine & Injury Center 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/