Ways We Can Help with Headaches in Springfield

Have you ever suffered from a headache? Well, you’re not alone. Almost half of the population is affected by headaches. About ¼ of headaches are “cervicogenic” headaches, which means they are referred from the cervical spine. This type of headache can be just as painful as migraine headaches. There is good news! Our Springfield headache treatment has a way to help relieve you from the cervicogenic headache. Stay tuned to find out how you can get relief. 

How do I know if I am having a cervicogenic headache (CGH)?

CGH is unilateral without side shift, but sometimes presents bilaterally. Patients with CGH have neck tenderness and stiffness, with moderate to severe pain that begins in the cervical spine that can also affect the occipital, temporal, frontal, or supraorbital areas. Pain may also appear in the arm. Pain episodes can last from hours to days. The pain can be described as deep, but not throbbing. Symptoms could be triggered by abnormal cervical spine postures. 

How do I fix it?

Our Springfield headache treatment believes that manipulation is a key component in managing CGH, but a long term resolution will take a more multifaceted approach than isolated SMT. 

What are these multifaceted approaches?

Number one, we must make an assessment of the deep neck flexors. CGH patients suffer from upper cervical joint dysfunction, chronic muscular imbalance, and poor posture which can help Springfield headache treatment determine if you are suffering from CGH. These three issues cause a loss of strength in the deep neck flexors and over activation of the SCM/ upper trapezius. A screening for neck flexor weakness may be conducted to further determine your amount of neck flexor strength. 

Now it’s time for treatment. The greater occipital nerve is usually implicated in CGH. Some research that we found says this: “The obliquus capitis inferior remains relatively immobile during traumatic events, like whiplash injuries, placing strain as a tethering point on the greater occipital nerve.” This can cause irritation, inflammation, adhesions, and more. A combination of neural mobilization and soft tissue techniques will be used to improve your pain. 

How do I sustain and manage pain on my own?

Our Springfield headache treatment can help, but there are many things that you can do on your own to help keep CGH pain away. The use of cellphones and a routine of sitting at a desk can develop poor posture. Make sure you are in a correct posture by sitting up straight, and avoiding your head falling forwards. 

Make your appointment today for our Springfield headache treatment if you think that you are suffering from CGH. We will take all the right steps to assess you, and help you manage your pain and improve your function. 

If you’re in pain right now, if you don’t have to be. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We also accept insurance. You can Schedule an appointment here.

Dr David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP

Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.

A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.

He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.