We see a great number of folks with headaches in our South Buffalo office, and Dr. Nowak has been able to assist many of them. Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that half of all adults deal with some sort of headache problems, so this certainly isn't shocking. One of the most common sorts of headaches that our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic care can commonly help.
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from issues in the cervical spine. It can be as a result of an issue with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be triggered by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine results in squeezing or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache issues.
How can you identify if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally coupled 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 inducing them is remedied, it is critical to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that provides a great deal of relief.
In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists studied 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other half underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the optimum outcomes.
Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments gave patients better pain relief and diminished the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.
To find out what Dr. Nowak can do for you and your headaches, call our office 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/
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