Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of people with headaches in our Holtsville office, and Dr. Cohen has been able to support many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50% of all adults struggle with some sort of headache problems, so this really isn't shocking. One of the most prevalent kinds of headaches that our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic treatment can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from an issue in the cervical spine. It can be generated by an issue with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be because of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine brings about constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache problems.

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

How Chiropractic Helps

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is inducing them is remedied, it is important to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that provides a great deal of relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists followed 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial results.

In particular, this study found that chiropractic adjustments provided patients more significant pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Cohen 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/