Estero, Bonita Springs Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of individuals with headaches in our Estero, Bonita Springs office, and Dr. Green has been able to assist many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that one half of all adults deal with some type of headache problem, so this actually isn’t a surprise. One of the most typical kinds of headaches which our patients have problems with is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that arises from a problem in the cervical spine. It might be thanks to a condition with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine leads to constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can give you headache pain.

How do you distinguish if the headache you are experiencing is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is generating them is remedied, it is critical to get treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that can provide a great deal of headache pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had frequent cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent were given chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic delivered the optimum effects.

Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments gave patients better pain relief and diminished the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Green 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/