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.
A child or an adult can develop a cervicogenic headache. The condition can be difficult to detect because patients often experience migraines or tension headaches simultaneously. As a result, a doctor can easily misdiagnose the headache. A physical examination, X-ray, and an MRI or CT scan are commonly used to make a diagnosis. One telltale symptom of this condition is that certain neck movements or keeping the neck in the same position for a prolonged period typically make the head and neck pain worse.
Treatment options are available for this type of headache. Every patient responds differently to various types of treatment, and they must work closely with their health care provider to discover the most effective approach. Injecting drugs at identified trigger points in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one form of treatment. Some doctors use of injections of Botox, steroids, or corticosteroid drugs.
Various types of medications are also used to treat headaches including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure drugs, and low doses of antidepressants. Over the counter creams that contain numbing agents such as Biofreeze may relieve muscle pain experienced in the neck. Massage therapy is sometimes recommended as a palliative treatment to relieve stress in the muscles.
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 study published in the February 2010 issue of The Spine Journal, patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches received either a light massage or chiropractic care. Those who received chiropractic reported much greater improvement than the group receiving the light massage did. In terms of patient satisfaction, a May 2009 Consumer Reports 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.
A child or an adult can develop a cervicogenic headache. The condition can be difficult to detect because patients often experience migraines or tension headaches simultaneously. As a result, a doctor can easily misdiagnose the headache. A physical examination, X-ray, and an MRI or CT scan are commonly used to make a diagnosis. One telltale symptom of this condition is that certain neck movements or keeping the neck in the same position for a prolonged period typically make the head and neck pain worse.
Treatment options are available for this type of headache. Every patient responds differently to various types of treatment, and they must work closely with their health care provider to discover the most effective approach. Injecting drugs at identified trigger points in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one form of treatment. Some doctors use of injections of Botox, steroids, or corticosteroid drugs.
Various types of medications are also used to treat headaches including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-seizure drugs, and low doses of antidepressants. Over the counter creams that contain numbing agents such as Biofreeze may relieve muscle pain experienced in the neck. Massage therapy is sometimes recommended as a palliative treatment to relieve stress in the muscles.
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 study published in the February 2010 issue of The Spine Journal, patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches received either a light massage or chiropractic care. Those who received chiropractic reported much greater improvement than the group receiving the light massage did. In terms of patient satisfaction, a May 2009 Consumer Reports 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 a Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractor? More information about this Pittsburgh North Hills Chiropractor can be found at this website http://www.northhillspachiropractor.com.
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