Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a large number of folks with headaches in our Gadsden office, and Gadsden Family Chiropractic has been able to aid many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50% of all adults have difficulty with some kind of headache problems, so this actually isn't surprising. One of the most typical varieties of headaches which our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic care can generally help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from an issue in the cervical spine. It could be attributable to a problem with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine contributes to compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache discomfort.

How can you find out if the headache you are going through is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Considering cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is important 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 pain relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts looked at 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half got 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 delivered the most beneficial results.

In particular, this study found that chiropractic adjustments gave patients better pain relief and reduced the number of headaches that occurred. Moreover, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Gadsden Family Chiropractic can do for you and your headaches, call our office today. We'll do our best to get you the pain relief you need!

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/