By WIN Provider: Dr. Lauryn Friesen, Chiropractor
Did you know that chiropractic can help with headaches?
There are three common types of headaches: cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches and migraines. All three of these types of headaches can benefit from chiropractic care.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache coming from a secondary source, typically from your upper cervical spine muscles and joints.
If you experience a cervicogenic headache, neck pain can be present. You may exacerbate it by movements of the neck, or prolonged postures.
Sitting with your neck in the same position for long periods of time can also aggravate you.
Typically during a cervicogenic headache, you may feel non-throbbing pain of moderate intensity. They can refer pain into the base of your head, into your eyebrow/temple area or across your forehead.
Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat cervicogenic headaches.
During an initial appointment a chiropractor will do a very thorough history and physical exam to determine what type of headache you are experiencing. As a chiropractor, I will always make sure to rule out any “red flag” symptoms and refer to another health care practitioner when warranted.
If you are experiencing cervicogenic headaches there are a combination of treatments that a chiropractor can provide.
What might treatment for a cervicogenic headache include?
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches will always be individualized to the patient and include education and reassurance. Treatment could include soft tissue therapy of involved musculature, mobilizations/spinal manipulative therapy of cervical spine joints, neurofunctional acupuncture, exercises to help strengthen surrounding cervical spine musculature, and advice.
If you struggle with headaches and would like to discuss options that can help you, visit with me at WIN Health.