Lenexa Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of people with headaches in our Lenexa office, and Dr. Isom has been able to support many of them. Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all adults deal with some type of headache disorder, so this really isn’t a surprise. One of the most common sorts of headaches that our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from an issue in the cervical spine. It can be attributable to an issue with either the spine itself (primarily, 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 compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How do you know if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Besides obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is inducing them is remedied, it is important to get treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a great deal of headache pain relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists followed 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was found that chiropractic delivered the best results.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients better pain relief and lessened the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Isom can do for you and your headaches, call us 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/