Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our Boardman office, and Dr. Carradine has been able to provide relief for many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one half of all adults have a problem with some type of headache problems, so this actually isn't surprising. One of the most frequent kinds of headaches that our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic adjustments can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from problems in the cervical spine. It could be because of a problem with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be a result of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine creates compression or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache issues.

How can you distinguish if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever issue is triggering them is remedied, it is critical to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that provides a considerable amount of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts looked at 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. One-half received chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the most beneficial outcomes.

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

To find out what Dr. Carradine can do for you and your headache pain, call our office 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/