Yakima Chiropractic and Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of folks with headaches in our Yakima office, and Dr. Covington has been able to assist many of them. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 50% of all adults have difficulty with some manner of headache problem, so this certainly isn’t a surprise. One of the most typical types of headaches which our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily, chiropractic can commonly help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that arises from problems in the cervical spine. It can easily be because of an issue with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be attributed to a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine creates constriction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How can you distinguish if the headache you are feeling is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from being given a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, a frequent 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 with Cervicogenic Headaches

Since cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is initiating them is corrected, it is essential to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers looked at 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent got chiropractic care and the other 50% underwent light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic delivered the best results.

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

To find out what Dr. Covington can do for you and your headache pain, 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/