Estero, Bonita Springs Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a great number of people with headaches in our Estero, Bonita Springs office, and Dr. Green has been able to aid many of them. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache problem, so this actually isn’t a surprise. One of the most common types of headaches which our patients endure is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from an issue in the cervical spine. It might be caused by an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine results in constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache pain.

How can you tell if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Other than getting a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally associated with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is triggering them is corrected, it is crucial to receive treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was found that chiropractic provided the most beneficial effects.

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

To find out what Dr. Green 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/