Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of folks with headaches in our Downtown St. Louis, MO office, and Dr. Holland has been able to provide relief for many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that half of all adults have a problem with some type of headache condition, so this actually isn't surprising. One of the most common types of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic adjustments can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that arises from a problem in the cervical spine. It can be thanks to a problem with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be brought on by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine creates compression or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache problems.

How can you know if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Besides being given a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is essential to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a great deal of relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists followed 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the best effects.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more significant pain relief and lowered the frequency of headaches that occurred. On top of that, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

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