Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

Prescott Chiropractic Treatment Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Prescott office, and Weary Chiropractic Clinic has been able to support many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that one half of all adults have a problem with some type of headache disorder, so this actually isn't shocking. One of the most common types of headaches which our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic treatment can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from an issue in the cervical spine. It can be attributable to a problem with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be brought on by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine can cause compression or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache issues.

How do you identify if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent 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

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

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. One-half were given chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial outcomes.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments provided patients enhanced pain relief and lowered the frequency of headaches that occurred. Additionally, it also mitigated the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Weary Chiropractic Clinic can do for you and your headaches, 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/