Prescott Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

Prescott Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a large number of folks with headaches in our Prescott office, and Weary Chiropractic Clinic has been able to aid many of them. Actually, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults have difficulties with some sort of headache problem, so this really isn’t unexpected. One of the most common types of headaches that our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from issues in the cervical spine. It might be a result of a problem with either the spine itself (specifically, 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 creates constriction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache pain.

How do you tell if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Because cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is generating them is corrected, it is vital to receive treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists evaluated 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. One-half got chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the best effects.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments offered patients enhanced pain relief and lessened the frequency of headaches that occurred. Moreover, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Weary Chiropractic Clinic 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/