Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our New York office, and Dr. Valente has been able to assist many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50 percent of all adults have difficulty with some type of headache condition, so this certainly isn't shocking. One of the most typical kinds of headaches that our patients are afflicted by is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic adjustments can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from a problem in the cervical spine. It can be generated by a condition with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine results in compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache issues.

How do you find out if the headache you are experiencing is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is causing them is corrected, it is vital to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that provides a great deal of headache pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Half of them got 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 provided the optimum effects.

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

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