Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a large number of folks with headaches in our Livermore office, and Haque Chiropractic Inc. has been able to help many of them. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults struggle with some sort of headache condition, so this certainly isn't unexpected. One of the most typical sorts of headaches that our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic adjustments can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from problems in the cervical spine. It might be due to a condition with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine brings about compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache problems.

How can you distinguish if the headache you are being affected by is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes followed by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Considering cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is generating them is corrected, it is important to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that offers a considerable amount of headache pain relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists looked at 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half of them got chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the most beneficial effects.

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

To find out what Haque Chiropractic Inc. 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/