Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

Lenexa Chiropractic Care Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of folks with headaches in our Lenexa office, and Dr. Isom has been able to assist many of them. Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that one half of all adults deal with some type of headache problem, so this really isn't unexpected. One of the most typical varieties of headaches that our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic treatment can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from issues in the cervical spine. It can easily be because of a condition with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be a result of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine results in squeezing or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache problems.

How do you determine if the headache you are struggling with 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

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is essential to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the best outcomes.

In particular, this study found that chiropractic adjustments gave patients enhanced pain relief and diminished the frequency of headaches that occurred. What's more, it also mitigated the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Isom 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/