Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of men and women with headaches in our Napa office, and Dr. Bettencourt has been able to support many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all adults struggle with some sort of headache problems, so this actually isn't shocking. One of the most frequent kinds of headaches that our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic treatment can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from issues in the cervical spine. It can be thanks to an issue with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine contributes to compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache discomfort.

How can you determine if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common 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.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is generating them is remedied, it is vital to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that offers a considerable amount of headache pain relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists followed 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. One-half got chiropractic care and the other half underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the optimum effects.

Specifically, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments offered patients better pain relief and decreased the number of headaches that occurred. Furthermore, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Bettencourt 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/