Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of people with headaches in our Jonesboro office, and Dr. Alpert has been able to support many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all adults have difficulties with some sort of headache problem, so this really isn't unexpected. One of the most common types of headaches which our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic therapy can commonly help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Defined

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from issues in the cervical spine. It could be as a result of a condition with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine contributes to constriction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How do you know if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common 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

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is triggering them is corrected, it is essential 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, researchers evaluated 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was found that chiropractic delivered the best effects.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments gave patients more pain relief and lowered the number of headaches that occurred. Additionally, it also mitigated the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Alpert can do for you and your headache pain, call our office 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/