A headache is pain experienced in any region of the head. It can be isolated to a particular spot, one or both sides of the head, feel like squeezing pressure, or radiate from one point across the rest of the head. Associated pain may be described as a dull ache, throbbing, or sharp pain. The condition can come on suddenly or gradually and the pain may last for less than an hour or continue for up to a week. In any form, headaches are frustrating and they are sometimes accompanied by neck pain.
Headaches that originate from the neck or upper shoulders which are concentrated in the temples, orbital region, or forehead are called cervicogenic. The causes can be many but some are: muscle spasms, whiplash, arthritis, degenerative disk disease, or other medical problems. The source of the problem typically occurs in the top three vertebrae of the cervical spine. The resulting pain is experienced in the head, and 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 treatments are available for this type of headache. Since patients respond differently to each type of treatment, they must work closely with their doctors to discover the most effective approach. Injecting anesthetic drugs at identified trigger points in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one popular treatment. Other types of injections include Botox, steroids, or corticosteroid drugs.
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 are a very effective treatment that can relieve irritation to nerves and joints that have become inflamed and are causing these headaches. In research involving patients with a headache plus improper movement of the cervical spinal bone, neck pain, or both, chiropractic 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, chiropractic adjustments permitted 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 originate from the neck or upper shoulders which are concentrated in the temples, orbital region, or forehead are called cervicogenic. The causes can be many but some are: muscle spasms, whiplash, arthritis, degenerative disk disease, or other medical problems. The source of the problem typically occurs in the top three vertebrae of the cervical spine. The resulting pain is experienced in the head, and 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 treatments are available for this type of headache. Since patients respond differently to each type of treatment, they must work closely with their doctors to discover the most effective approach. Injecting anesthetic drugs at identified trigger points in the muscles surrounding the upper portion of the cervical spine is one popular treatment. Other types of injections include Botox, steroids, or corticosteroid drugs.
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 are a very effective treatment that can relieve irritation to nerves and joints that have become inflamed and are causing these headaches. In research involving patients with a headache plus improper movement of the cervical spinal bone, neck pain, or both, chiropractic 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, chiropractic adjustments permitted 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? Get more information about this chiropractor Pittsburgh North Hills.
