Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a large number of individuals with headaches in our Rutland office, and Dr. Cyr has been able to aid many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults have a problem with some kind of headache disorder, so this really isn't shocking. One of the most prevalent types of headaches that our patients endure is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic adjustments can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

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

How do you find out if the headache you are enduring is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is corrected, it is vital to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that can provide a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists evaluated 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic delivered the optimum effects.

In particular, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments provided patients more pain relief and lowered the frequency of headaches that occurred. Furthermore, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Cyr 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/