By Frank E. Kaden, D.C. Chiropractic, Inc.
We see a great number of men and women with headaches in our Redondo Beach office, and Dr. Kaden has been able to provide relief for many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults deal with some type of headache condition, so this certainly isn’t surprising. One of the most typical varieties of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can generally help.
Cervicogenic Headaches Defined
A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from problems in the cervical spine. It can easily be caused by an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine can cause compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache pain.
How can you know if the headache you are going through is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common 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.
How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches
Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is initiating them is remedied, it is important to get treatment instead of just trying to “wait it out.” Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that offers a considerable amount of relief.
In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half received 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 discovered that chiropractic offered the most beneficial outcomes.
In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients greater pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. What’s more, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.
To find out what Dr. Kaden 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/
