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A headache is discomfort that is experienced in any region of the head. It can be found only in a particular spot, or both sides of the head. It can feel like squeezing pressure, or radiate from one point to another area of the head. The pain may be described as a dull ache, throbbing, or sharp pain. It can come on suddenly or slowly over time and the pain may last for less than an hour or continue for up to as long as a week. In any manner, headaches are frustrating. Many times they are accompanied by neck pain.
Headaches that come from neck or shoulder pain and are concentrated in the base of the skull, orbital region, or temples are called cervicogenic. They may be caused by muscle spasms, whiplash, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or another health problem. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the upper three vertebrae of the cervical spine. The resulting discomfort, experienced in the head, classifies the headache as a type of referred pain.
Children and adults can develop cervicogenic headaches. The condition can be difficult to diagnose because patients often experience tension headaches and migraines simultaneously. As a result, a physician can easily misdiagnose the headache. History taking, physical examination, X-ray, and an MRI or CT scan are commonly used to make a diagnosis. Many patients note that certain neck movements or keeping the neck in the same position for a prolonged period of time typically make the head and neck pain worse.
Several treatment options are available for cervicogenic headaches. Since patients respond differently to each type of treatment, they must work closely with their healthcare specialist to discover the most effective approach and avoid side effects. Injecting pain killing drugs at so called "trigger points" in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one form treatment that may provide temporary relief.
Doctors use oral types of medication to treat headaches which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure drugs, and low doses of antidepressants. Over the counter lotions that contain relaxing agents such as Biofreeze may relieve muscle pain experienced in the neck. Massage therapy is sometimes utilized as a palliative treatment so the headache is treated conservatively.
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine can relieve nerves and joints that have become irritated and are causing these headaches. In trials involving patients with a headache plus neck dysfunction, neck pain, or both, manipulation of the cervical spine was associated with a significant improvement in health outcomes. Researchers at Duke University report that by releasing tight, short muscles, this adjustment permits optimum blood flow, reducing headache pain.
In a scientific study published in the The Spine Journal, February 2010, patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches received either a light massage or chiropractic care. Those who received chiropractic care reported much greater improvement than the group receiving the light massage. In terms of patient satisfaction a Consumer Report, May 2009, article revealed that chiropractic was rated top among all healthcare providers by the more than 14,000 consumers surveyed.
Headaches that come from neck or shoulder pain and are concentrated in the base of the skull, orbital region, or temples are called cervicogenic. They may be caused by muscle spasms, whiplash, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or another health problem. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the upper three vertebrae of the cervical spine. The resulting discomfort, experienced in the head, classifies the headache as a type of referred pain.
Children and adults can develop cervicogenic headaches. The condition can be difficult to diagnose because patients often experience tension headaches and migraines simultaneously. As a result, a physician can easily misdiagnose the headache. History taking, physical examination, X-ray, and an MRI or CT scan are commonly used to make a diagnosis. Many patients note that certain neck movements or keeping the neck in the same position for a prolonged period of time typically make the head and neck pain worse.
Several treatment options are available for cervicogenic headaches. Since patients respond differently to each type of treatment, they must work closely with their healthcare specialist to discover the most effective approach and avoid side effects. Injecting pain killing drugs at so called "trigger points" in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one form treatment that may provide temporary relief.
Doctors use oral types of medication to treat headaches which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure drugs, and low doses of antidepressants. Over the counter lotions that contain relaxing agents such as Biofreeze may relieve muscle pain experienced in the neck. Massage therapy is sometimes utilized as a palliative treatment so the headache is treated conservatively.
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine can relieve nerves and joints that have become irritated and are causing these headaches. In trials involving patients with a headache plus neck dysfunction, neck pain, or both, manipulation of the cervical spine was associated with a significant improvement in health outcomes. Researchers at Duke University report that by releasing tight, short muscles, this adjustment permits optimum blood flow, reducing headache pain.
In a scientific study published in the The Spine Journal, February 2010, patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches received either a light massage or chiropractic care. Those who received chiropractic care reported much greater improvement than the group receiving the light massage. In terms of patient satisfaction a Consumer Report, May 2009, article revealed that chiropractic was rated top among all healthcare providers by the more than 14,000 consumers surveyed.
About the Author:
Elsie Betty Stoffel is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractic? More information about Pittsburgh North Hills Chiropractic can be found at this website http://tinyurl.com/ljg4aqg.
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