We see a large number of folks with headaches in our Juneau, AK office, and Dr. Messerschmidt has been able to aid many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50% of all adults have difficulty with some kind of headache problem, so this certainly isn’t shocking. One of the most typical varieties of headaches that our patients suffer from is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from problems in the cervical spine. It might be thanks to a problem with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be brought on by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine creates constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache pain.

How do you identify if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes combined with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Considering cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is inducing them is remedied, it is essential to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent received 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 discovered that chiropractic offered the most beneficial results.

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

To find out what Dr. Messerschmidt can do for you and your headaches, 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/
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