What Are Cervicogenic Headaches? Understanding the Connection to the Spine
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that stems from issues in the cervical spine (neck), including problems with the bones, discs, and soft tissues. According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, these headaches are often accompanied by neck pain, but this isn’t always the case (1). In many instances, people with cervicogenic headaches don’t even realize their neck may be the cause of their pain because they don’t experience neck discomfort. This makes it challenging for individuals in Toronto and beyond to pinpoint the source of their headaches.
How Corrective Chiropractic in Toronto Can Help Relieve Cervicogenic Headaches
At Toronto Corrective Chiropractic, Dr. Krekora focuses on identifying the underlying causes of health problems, including cervicogenic headaches. Often, the root cause of headaches are misalignments or dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck) and upper thoracic spine (upper back). Through Corrective Chiropractic care, we can adjust the spine and realign these areas to help reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Our Chiropractic approach includes spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), electroacupuncture and Corrective Exercises to address spinal misalignments, improve mobility, and alleviate headache symptoms. If you are dealing with recurring headaches, chiropractic care may be the key to the lasting relief you are searching for!
Research Supports Chiropractic for Cervicogenic Headache Relief in Toronto
Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating cervicogenic headaches. A systematic review and meta-analysis (considered one of the highest quality of research) (2) found that spinal adjustments (SMT) provide superior results in reducing headache frequency and intensity when compared to other treatments like massage therapy. By focusing on correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care helps treat the root cause of your headache rather than just masking the symptoms.
Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments for Headache Relief
One key study compared spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) with spinal mobilizations and exercises for treating cervicogenic headaches (1). After completing 6-8 therapy sessions, patients who received SMT experienced significantly greater reductions in headache intensity, duration, and disability. Additionally, the SMT group had fewer headaches and shorter headache episodes even three months after treatment. Patients felt relief as early as 1 and 4 weeks into treatment.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care for Cervicogenic Headaches in Toronto?
If you live in the Toronto area and are struggling with cervicogenic headaches, chiropractic care may offer a drug-free solution. By addressing the underlying misalignments in the cervical spine and upper thoracic spine, chiropractic care provides a long-term solution for headache relief. Without proper spinal corrections, symptoms may return, making it difficult to experience lasting headache relief. At Toronto Corrective Chiropractic, we use evidence-based chiropractic techniques to help ensure you not only feel better but stay better.
Get Effective Relief from Cervicogenic Headaches in Toronto
If you’re looking for headache relief in Toronto, don’t wait to find out how corrective chiropractic can help. Schedule a Case Review with Dr. Krekora to discuss your symptoms and determine if chiropractic care is the right solution for you. Our clinic specializes in helping patients just like you recover from neck-related headaches and improve overall wellness.
References:
- Dunning JR, Butts R, Mourad F, Young I, Fernandez-de-Las Peñas C, Hagins M, Stanislawski T, Donley J, Buck D, Hooks TR, Cleland JA. Upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation versus mobilization and exercise in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multi-center randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2016 Dec;17:1-2.
- Fernandez M, Moore C, Tan J, Lian D, Nguyen J, Bacon A, Christie B, Shen I, Waldie T, Simonet D, Bussières A. Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. European Journal of Pain. 2020 Oct;24(9):1687-702.