Yakima Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a lot of people with headaches in our Yakima office, and Michael J. Covington DC-PS has been able to provide relief for many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one half of all adults have difficulty with some type of headache condition, so this really isn’t unexpected. One of the most typical 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 problems in the cervical spine. It might be thanks to a condition with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be brought on by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine leads to compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How can you distinguish if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Besides being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is occasionally associated 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 inducing them is remedied, it is crucial to receive treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent solution, and one that can provide a considerable amount of headache pain relief.

In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists looked at 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half 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 found that chiropractic delivered the most beneficial outcomes.

In particular, this study found that chiropractic adjustments gave patients more significant pain relief and lessened the frequency of headaches that occurred. Furthermore, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Michael J. Covington DC-PS 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/