Noted researcher Nikolai Bogduk, MD, PhD, professor of anatomy at Newcastle, Australia, commented:
"The people in control of the headache field seemingly have
not, cannot, or will not, recognize this paradox ... that the model for
cervicogenic headache is not only the best evolved of all headaches but
is testable in vivo, in patients with headache complaints. No other
form of headache has that facility."
Several years ago, a
Canadian anesthesiologist, Peter Rothbart, MD, FRCPC, came to the same
conclusions about cervicogenic headache. Dr. Rothbart made many
observations in his own pain management practice which subsequently led
to an article in the Toronto Star, the most widely read newspaper in
Canada. The Toronto Star article, "A Pain in the Neck," was subtitled:
"Chiropractors were right.
Many headaches are caused by damaged structures in the neck -- and
scientific evidence proves it." The article explained that years ago,
French medical professor Robert Maigne "came to believe that many
headaches originated with a structural problem in the neck." He was
"thought to be a lunatic," said Dr. Rothbart. But others took up Dr.
Maigne's work, including Dr. Nik Bogduk.
In 1995, a team of MDs at Syracuse University established neck
problems as the cause of many headaches "with scientific, anatomical
proof." Dr. Rothbart termed the Syracuse results "a minor miracle." In
the Toronto Star article, Dr. Rothbart made several insightful
comments:
"Some brilliant people have put their hearts, souls and
minds to this (headache) problem and haven't come up with anything. All
we've been able to do is treat people with an array of medicines, one
after the other, and hope the side effects won't be too bad."
"We couldn't believe it at first. We've been able to put together
a scientific explanation for how neck structure causes headaches -- not
all headaches, but a significant number of them."
"It's true that chiropractors have been saying this for years.
Unfortunately, many (medical) doctors tend to have a jaundiced view of
chiropractors, but they were right about headaches."
Dr.
Rothbart's clinical experience and findings have led him to become a
founder and president of the North American Cervicogenic Headache
Society (NACHS). The NACHS is dedicated to establishing the place of
cervicogenic headache in the minds and practices of those health care
provider who treat headaches. At the first North American Cervicogenic
Headache Conference, held last year, Dr. Rothbart remarked:
The development of the concept of cervicogenic headache has opened
a new door for chiropractic. As this concept is developed and adopted,
it is expected that a large percentage of headache sufferers will fall
into this category. Chiropractic has much to offer as the first line
care for cervicogenic headache.
To schedual an appointment for a complimentary consultation in Pleasant Hill call 685-2002. For more information contact Concord Chiropractic
