Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of men and women with headaches in our Ronkonkoma office, and Dr. Priolo has been able to provide relief for many of them. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some sort of headache problem, so this certainly isn't shocking. One of the most prevalent sorts of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic therapy can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from a problem in the cervical spine. It might be attributable to a condition with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine results in squeezing or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache problems.

How do you recognize if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from getting a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, 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

Because cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is triggering them is corrected, it is crucial to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that offers a considerable amount of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers studied 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. One-half were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic offered the best effects.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments provided patients enhanced pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. Additionally, it also mitigated the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Priolo can do for you and your headaches, 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/