Your Neck Could Be The Cause Of Your Headache

One common type of headache experienced by many actually has its source in the neck; it is called cervicogenic headaches.

Irritated joints, disc, muscles or ligaments in the mid to upper neck can referrer pain and cause the headache. In many cases, the cause is and injury, auto accidents being one of the most common.

These headaches typically are on one side of the head, starting from the back of the head or neck and run up the side of the head to the forehead.  In some cases, they are associated with lower neck and shoulder ache on the same side.

They can be made worse by neck movement or poor posture positions. The joints of the upper neck can be tender to touch, and trigger points can be present in the upper trapezius areas.

Chiropractic Can Help

One study demonstrated that chiropractic care was an effective, non-drug option for relief of cervicogenic headaches. In this study, 80 patients with chronic headaches caused by their neck (cervicogenic) were separated into 2 groups. One group received chiropractic adjustments and the other group received massages. It was found that the patients in the chiropractic grouped improved much more readily than those in the massage group.

The patients in the chiropractic care group demonstrated better scores on pain and disability tests as well as at least a 50% reduction in overall symptoms. At the end of the study, the chiropractic group had a 33% reduction in their medication usage and 50% reduction in the frequency of their headaches.

Chiropractic care restores the normal motion and flexibility of the spinal joints. This will in turn, reduce the irritation of the joints and nerves, ultimately reducing the pain.

If you have been suffering from headaches, give chiropractic a try. Call our office at (314) 731-4383 or CLICK TO CALL NOW and schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmaltz. Let him put his years of experience to work for you.

Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson D, Aickiin M, Vavrek D. Dose response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial. The Spine Journal 20110; 10:117-128.