Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

Lenexa Chiropractic Therapy Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a lot of people with headaches in our Lenexa office, and Dr. Isom has been able to support many of them. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50% of all adults struggle with some type of headache disorder, so this actually isn't unexpected. One of the most typical sorts of headaches which our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic care can generally help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from issues in the cervical spine. It might be due to an issue with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine can cause squeezing or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache issues.

How can you tell if the headache you are feeling is a cervicogenic headache? Other than obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, 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

Because cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is causing them is corrected, it is vital to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a great deal of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts studied 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the best results.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments gave patients enhanced pain relief and diminished the number of headaches that occurred. Moreover, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Isom 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/