Noblesville Chiropractic Care Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a lot of men and women with headaches in our Noblesville office, and Dr. Dahlager has been able to support many of them. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 percent of all adults struggle with some type of headache condition, so this actually isn't a surprise. One of the most prevalent varieties of headaches that our patients endure is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic treatment can generally help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from a problem in the cervical spine. It can be attributable to an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be triggered by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine creates compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can generate headache issues.

How do you distinguish if the headache you are struggling with is a cervicogenic headache? Other than obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes followed by 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 critical to get treatment as opposed to just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective approach, and one that can provide a great deal of relief.

In one study printed in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers followed 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Half received chiropractic care and the other 50% engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was assessed 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was discovered that chiropractic offered the best effects.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more significant pain relief and diminished the number of headaches that occurred. What's more, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Dahlager 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/