Most of us have suffered headaches during our life. In fact they are very common, with some people accepting them as a regular part of their life. Headaches however happen for a reason and for many people chiropractic treatment can be a very effective way of treating them. One of the most common types of headache that Chiropractors regularly treat see is called cervicogenic headache.
FACTS RELATING TO HEADACHES
Headache is one of the most common reasons for patients to seek chiropractic care
Chiropractic is a very effective form of treatment for headache sufferers, especially cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headache are caused by a dysfunction in the neck
Abnormal movement in the neck as well as ligament or muscle tightness or injury can cause headaches
Cervicogenic headaches affect both sexes and all ages
Chiropractic care is very effective in treating cervicogenic headaches because it restores normal biomechanics (movement) in the neck as well as addressing any muscular, disc or ligament injury
A cervicogenic headache can be caused by a dysfunction in the neck. This can range from abnormal movement between the vertebrae (bones) of the neck, to muscle tightness, disc complaints or ligamentous injury. The pain that is generated in the neck can refer to any part of the head including the eyes, ears, forehead, crown temporal or suboccipital region (base of the skull).
While cervicogenic headaches are seemingly more common in females they do affect both sexes and all ages.
Chiropractic care is very effective in treating cervicogenic headaches because it restores normal biomechanics (movement) in the neck as well as addressing any muscular, disc or ligament injury. Chiropractic treatment can involve a combination of gentle manipulation or mobilization, therapy administered to the muscles and ligaments, prescription of stretches or exercises, postural advice and when indicated the application of heat or ice.
While chiropractic is very effective for the treatment of cervicogenic headaches it is also helpful in treatment of many other forms of headaches such as migraines.
While most headaches are benign in nature, there are certain warning signs that should not be ignored and should result in a patient seeking medical attention. These include
- A new kind of headache in anyone over the age of 50.
- Headaches that become more and more frequent or more and more severe.
- Headache together with a fever, a stiff neck, weight loss, or other medical symptoms.
- Headache that comes out of nowhere. “If it begins absolutely suddenly; if you go from no pain to severe pain instantly, that is a sign of something bad,”.
- Headache in people with underlying conditions such as HIV infection or cancer.
- You should also see a doctor if you have any kind of head pain that interferes with your life. If a headache interferes with work, study, or your social life, it’s time to get help.