Lincoln Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of men and women with headaches in our Lincoln office, and Dr. Jerrad Swanson DC, FMT, DN1 has been able to support many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that half of all adults deal with some type of headache disorder, so this certainly isn’t surprising. One of the most common varieties of headaches which our patients experience is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from issues in the cervical spine. It might be thanks to a condition with either the spine itself (in particular, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributable to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine leads to compression or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache pain.

How do you determine if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally followed by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Because cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is inducing them is remedied, it is crucial to get treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that can provide a great deal of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, experts followed 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half were given chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was examined 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial results.

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

To find out what Dr. Jerrad Swanson DC, FMT, DN1 can do for you and your headaches, call us 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/