Tucson Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of individuals with headaches in our Tucson office, and Dr. Conlee has been able to assist many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all adults have a problem with some manner of headache problem, so this really isn’t a surprise. One of the most prevalent sorts of headaches that our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from a problem in the cervical spine. It might be generated by an issue with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine produces squeezing or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache pain.

How can you distinguish if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Besides being given a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally accompanied by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches

Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is causing them is remedied, it is important to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that provides a great deal of relief.

In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. One-half received chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the best effects.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments provided patients more pain relief and lessened the number of headaches that occurred. On top of that, it also reduced the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Conlee 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/