Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of people with headaches in our Kettering office, and Dr. Poelking has been able to support many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults deal with some manner of headache problems, so this really isn't a surprise. One of the most frequent types of headaches that our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic treatment can generally help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from an issue in the cervical spine. It could be as a result of an issue with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributable to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine contributes to compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can give you headache issues.

How can you find out if the headache you are feeling is a cervicogenic headache? Besides obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is initiating them is corrected, it is crucial to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. One-half received chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the most beneficial effects.

Specifically, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments gave patients greater pain relief and diminished the frequency of headaches that occurred. What's more, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Poelking 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/