Cervicogenic Headache Pain Relief

We see a large number of individuals with headaches in our West New York office, and Dr. Marsh has been able to assist many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all adults deal with some type of headache problems, so this certainly isn’t shocking. One of the most common varieties of headaches that our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Defined

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

How do you distinguish if the headache you are being affected by is a cervicogenic headache? Other than obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic & Osteopathic Treatments

Considering cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is triggering them is corrected, it is vital to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care and osteopathic treatments are an effective approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent 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 found that chiropractic delivered the best outcomes.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments gave patients greater pain relief and decreased the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Marsh can do for you and your headaches, call our office 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/