Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Jonesboro office, and Dr. Alpert has been able to aid many of them. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that half of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache problems, so this really isn't a surprise. One of the most typical sorts of headaches that our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic care can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that arises from a problem in the cervical spine. It could be a result of a condition 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 dysfunction in your spine leads to compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache discomfort.

How do you recognize if the headache you are going through is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally followed by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is triggering them is remedied, it is crucial to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a considerable amount of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. One-half were given chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic offered the best outcomes.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments offered patients greater pain relief and lowered the frequency of headaches that occurred. Furthermore, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Alpert can do for you and your headaches, 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/