Kettering Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Kettering office, and Dr. Poelking has been able to help many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that half of all adults have difficulty with some kind of headache problem, so this actually isn’t surprising. One of the most prevalent varieties of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from a problem in the cervical spine. It can easily be caused by a problem with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be brought on by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine contributes to constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache pain.

How can you tell if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Besides obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes associated with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is inducing them is remedied, it is vital to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists followed 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Half of them got chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the best results.

In particular, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments provided patients enhanced pain relief and decreased the number of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

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