Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of folks with headaches in our Saint Paul office, and Dr. Slater has been able to assist many of them. Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all adults have difficulty with some type of headache condition, so this really isn't surprising. One of the most typical types of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic care can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Defined

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from problems in the cervical spine. It could be caused by a problem with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be attributable to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine leads to compression or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache discomfort.

How can you find out if the headache you are going through is a cervicogenic headache? Other than 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.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is generating them is corrected, it is critical to receive treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that provides a great deal of relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists evaluated 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent 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 found that chiropractic offered the most beneficial results.

In particular, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments provided patients better pain relief and reduced the number of headaches that occurred. On top of that, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Slater 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/