San Angelo Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our San Angelo office, and Dr. Pittman has been able to assist many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50 percent of all adults deal with some manner of headache problems, so this really isn’t a surprise. One of the most typical kinds of headaches that our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic can often help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from a problem in the cervical spine. It could be because of a condition with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be due to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine produces squeezing or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How can you know if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes followed by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is initiating them is remedied, it is essential to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that offers a considerable amount of relief.

In one study published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the best results.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more pain relief and reduced the number of headaches that occurred. What's more, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

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