Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of individuals with headaches in our Burton office, and Dr. Elganainy has been able to assist many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache problems, so this actually isn't shocking. One of the most frequent types of headaches that our patients experience is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic care can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

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

How can you identify if the headache you are enduring is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes 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 issue is initiating them is corrected, it is important to get treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts evaluated 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Half got chiropractic care and the other half underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the best results.

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

To find out what Dr. Elganainy 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/