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Redondo Beach Chiropractic Beats Massage for Cervicogenic Headaches

We see a considerable number of folks with headaches in our Redondo Beach office, and Dr. Vinick has been able to support many of them. Of course, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one half of all adults have difficulties with some type of headache condition, so this actually isn’t unexpected. One of the most prevalent types of headaches which our patients deal with is cervicogenic headache which, luckily for us, chiropractic can usually help.

Cervicogenic Headaches Explained

A cervicogenic headache is one that comes from issues in the cervical spine. It might be because of an issue with either the spine itself (primarily, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it could be triggered by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine results in constriction or aggravation of the spinal nerves, which can give you headache pain.

How can you know if the headache you are being affected by is a cervicogenic headache? Apart from being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a frequent symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is occasionally followed by pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

How Chiropractic Helps

Since cervicogenic headaches will not go away until whatever problem is triggering 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 great deal of relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, researchers evaluated 80 people who had recurrent cervicogenic headaches. Half got 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 optimum effects.

In particular, this study uncovered that chiropractic adjustments provided patients more significant pain relief and reduced the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition to that, it also diminished the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Dr. Vinick can do for you and your headaches, call our office 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/
August 15, 2016
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