Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

Roselle Chiropractic Care Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a considerable number of men and women with headaches in our Roselle office, and Dr. Ahmed has been able to provide relief for many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one half of all adults have a problem with some manner of headache condition, so this actually isn't shocking. One of the most typical kinds of headaches which our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic care can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

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

How can you find out if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Other than obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Because cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is causing them is corrected, it is crucial to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a great deal of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts looked at 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the best effects.

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

To find out what Dr. Ahmed can do for you and your headaches, call us 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/