Rutland Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of individuals with headaches in our Rutland office, and Dr. Cyr has been able to provide relief for many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one half of all adults deal with some kind of headache problems, so this certainly isn’t unexpected. One of the most common kinds of headaches that our patients are afflicted by is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

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

How can you identify if the headache you are being affected by is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is triggering them is corrected, it is critical to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that provides a considerable amount of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent received chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic offered the optimum outcomes.

Specifically, this study noted that chiropractic adjustments gave patients better pain relief and decreased the number of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Cyr 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/