Great Falls, MT Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of individuals with headaches in our Great Falls, MT office, and Dr. Tim Six has been able to support many of them. For that matter, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one half of all adults deal with some sort of headache disorder, so this actually isn’t unexpected. One of the most frequent sorts of headaches which our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, happily, chiropractic can often help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that stems from issues in the cervical spine. It can easily be because of an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be a result of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine creates squeezing or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can contribute to headache pain.

How can you tell if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Besides obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes associated with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Headache Relief with Chiropractic

Because cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever issue is causing them is corrected, it is vital to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that provides a great deal of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent were given chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment and it was discovered that chiropractic provided the optimum effects.

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

To find out what Dr. Tim Six 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/