Waldorf, MD Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of individuals with headaches in our Waldorf, MD office, and Waldorf Total Health Chiropractic & Physical Therapy has been able to aid many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all adults struggle with some type of headache problems, so this really isn’t surprising. One of the most prevalent types of headaches that our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from an issue in the cervical spine. It can be because of an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine results in compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache pain.

How can you identify if the headache you are going through is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is critical to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that can provide a considerable amount of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts evaluated 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent got chiropractic care and the other fifty percent engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was found that chiropractic offered the best outcomes.

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

To find out what Waldorf Total Health Chiropractic & Physical Therapy can do for you and your headache pain, call us 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/