Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of men and women with headaches in our Pinole office, and Dr. Jung has been able to assist many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some manner of headache problem, so this really isn't unexpected. One of the most common kinds of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic adjustments can commonly help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from a problem in the cervical spine. It could be due to an issue with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine produces constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache discomfort.

How can you find out if the headache you are enduring is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, 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.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is vital to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that can provide a considerable amount of relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers studied 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the best results.

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

To find out what Dr. Jung can do for you and your headache pain, 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/