Burke Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of men and women with headaches in our Burke office, and Dr. Zapf has been able to provide relief for many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all adults deal with some manner of headache problem, so this actually isn’t unexpected. One of the most prevalent varieties of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Defined

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from an issue in the cervical spine. It can easily be caused by an issue with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be a result of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine results in compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache pain.

How do you know if the headache you are feeling is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Because cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is generating them is remedied, it is essential to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that provides a considerable amount of relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists looked at 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic offered the optimum effects.

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

To find out what Dr. Zapf can do for you and your headache pain, 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/