We see a considerable number of individuals with headaches in our West New York office, and Dr. Marsh has been able to provide relief for many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one half of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache disorder, so this really isn’t shocking. One of the most common types of headaches that our patients struggle with is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic & osteopathic treatments can usually help.
Cervicogenic Headaches Defined
A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from problems in the cervical spine. It could be because of an issue with either the spine itself (particularly, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it might be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This problem in your spine produces constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can result in headache pain.
How can you determine if the headache you are being affected by is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from obtaining a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a common symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or discomfort in your neck. This is sometimes accompanied 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 problem is inducing them is corrected, it is vital to get treatment rather than just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an effective solution, and one that offers a great deal of headache pain relief.
In one study reported in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had repeated cervicogenic headaches. Half of them were given chiropractic care and the other half 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 results.
Specifically, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments provided patients greater pain relief and reduced the number of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.
To find out what Dr. Marsh 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/
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Dr. Marsh
Anthony Marsh DO, who has nearly 40 years of healthcare experience, now oversees operations at the Osteopathic Medicine, Pain, and Rehabilitation Institute as Medical Director. He accepted this role after serving as a chiropractor Anthony Marsh DC for more than two decades and he leverages his unique blend of experience and knowledge to provide leadership as a licensed medical physician.