Smyrna, GA Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our Smyrna, GA office, and Dr. Weinberg has been able to support many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one half of all adults struggle with some kind of headache disorder, so this actually isn’t a surprise. One of the most prevalent types of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from issues in the cervical spine. It could be because of a problem with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be attributable to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine contributes to compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache pain.

How can you identify if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Other than obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, 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.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is initiating them is remedied, it is essential 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 headache pain relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers studied 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half of them got 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 delivered the best effects.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments gave patients more pain relief and lowered the number of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Weinberg 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/