We see a large number of individuals with headaches in our Portland office, and Dr. Helton has been able to provide relief for many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50 percent of all adults have difficulty with some type of headache problem, so this really isn’t surprising. One of the most frequent sorts of headaches which our patients are afflicted by is cervicogenic headache which, thankfully, chiropractic can generally help.
Cervicogenic Headaches Explained
A cervicogenic headache is one that originates from issues in the cervical spine. It can be due to a condition with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it may be because of a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine can cause compaction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can bring on headache pain.
How can you tell if the headache you are experiencing is a cervicogenic headache? Aside from receiving a diagnosis from a healthcare expert, a typical 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.
How Chiropractic Helps with Cervicogenic Headaches
Seeing that cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is initiating them is remedied, it is important to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a great deal of pain relief.
In one study released in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists studied 80 people who had regular cervicogenic headaches. Fifty percent were given chiropractic care and the other fifty percent engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic delivered the best effects.
In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments offered patients greater pain relief and lowered the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also lessened the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.
To find out what Dr. Helton can do for you and your headache pain, call our office today. We'll do our best to get you the pain relief you deserve!
References
Dr. Helton, a Portland chiropractor, has been providing chiropractic health care and treatment for accident injuries for over 30 years. Dr. Helton specializes and is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of injuries from auto accidents. He has passed advanced certification training and testing by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego in the evaluation, treatment, and management of injuries from whiplash and brain traumatology.
