Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of individuals with headaches in our Largo office, and Spinal Health Chiropractic Center has been able to assist many of them. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one half of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache problem, so this really isn't shocking. One of the most common varieties of headaches which our patients endure is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic adjustments can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from a problem in the cervical spine. It can easily be due to a problem with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be because of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine creates compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache issues.

How can you know if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Other than receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes associated with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

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

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

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

To find out what Spinal Health Chiropractic Center 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/