Tension-type headache and cervicogenic headache are two of the most common non migraine headaches. Population-based studies suggest that a large proportion of adults experience mild and infrequent (once per month or less) tension-type headaches, and that the one-year prevalence of more frequent headaches (more than once per month) is 20%-30%; a smaller percentage of the population (roughly 3%) has been estimated to have chronic tension-type headachepopulation. This agrees with an earlier clinic-based study which found that 14% of headache patients treated had cervicogenic headache.

Physical treatments, like Chiropractic, is aimed at the prevention of headache episodes rather than the alleviation of symptoms once an attack has begun.  If effective and available, these non-pharmacological treatments may be the first choice for most patients and may also be well suited for the significant minority of patients who: (a) have poor tolerance of pharmacological treatments; (b) have medical contraindications for pharmacological treatments; (c) experience insufficient relief from, or are unresponsive to, pharmacological treatment; (d) wish to become pregnant (or are nursing); (e) have a history of long-term, frequent, or excessive use of analgesic or abortive medications that can aggravate headache problems; or (f) simply prefer to avoid medication use.

Objectives

The objective of this report is to describe and assess the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other prospective, comparative clinical trials (CCTs) for the efficacy and safety of behavioral and physical treatments for tension and cervicogenic headaches.  Physical Treatments Results:  Cervical spinal manipulation was associated with improvement in headache outcomes in two trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache. Manipulation appeared to result in immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic headache when compared with an attention-placebo control.  Furthermore, when compared to soft-tissue therapies (massage), a course of manipulation treatments resulted in sustained improvement in headache frequency and severity. However, among patients without a neck pain/dysfunction component to their headache syndrome – that is, patients with episodic or chronic tension-type headache – the effectiveness of cervical spinal manipulation was less clear.

For the full study Click Here

Pilates classes are now being offered at the Hoffman Chiropractic Neurology Office in Bourbonnais. 
These low impact work-outs are available for people who have experienced an injury and/or for athletes looking for a cutting edge exercise program. The Pilates method of exercise is known for its total body fitness, using movements that integrate many of the body parts at once, while incorporating purposeful breathing and concentration with every move you make. The mind and body become united in movement and you experience a holistic work-out.

Founder Joseph Pilates believed that the spine, abdominal, and pelvic areas are the “core” or the “powerhouse” of the body. His integrative approach to exercise was to develop the deep muscles of the powerhouse. He felt hat if the core was strong, flexible, and working together, it would then be ready for any type of movement. Pilates is a gentle, focused and safe way of exercising that increases your flexibility, balance, range of motion, and coordination. Muscular balance is improved with Pilates by strengthening weak muscles and stretching short muscles. People develop long, strong muscles without adding any bulk and there are no jarring movements that are characteristic of other forms of exercise that can sometimes cause injury. The Pilates method focuses on quality of movements and breathing patterns, while at the same time, getting in touch with your whole body.

In doing Pilates work-outs, people report a heightened sense of awareness to their bodies, and they begin to notice how they sit, stand and move, which can help them prevent injuries. They become aware of pulling in their stomachs to aid in proper posture and alignment and pulling down their shoulder muscles to relieve stress. Another benefit of Pilates is that it can enhance athletic performance as it increases one’s flexibility, stability, strength, energy, and coordination. Pilates is a fun way to work-out that also reduces stress, relieves tension, and helps you feel ready to take on the next challenge of the day.

Our classes here at Hoffman Chiropractic Neurology are led by experienced and certified instructors.
We do a variety of exercises on the floor using mats, as well as using other equipment and machines. These classes are available to patients living throughout Kankakee County, including the cities of Manteno, Peotone, Bradley, Grant Park, Hersher, Limestone, Aurora Park, Bourbonnais, and Kankakee.
Call our office today to book a slot in the next Pilates class.

We would like to congratulate Dr. Hoffman on passing the National Chiropractic Neurology Board Exam! He is now a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, DACNB, Diplomate of American Chiropractic Neurology Board. What is a Chiropractic Neurologist exactly? A Chiropractic Neurologist serves in the same consulting manner as a medical neurologist, but without the drugs or surgery. Numerous brain and nervous system conditions do not respond well with aggressive drug therapies or surgical procedures.

Dr. Hoffman and his staff offer a wide variety of brain-based therapies that help with conditions such as movement disorders, dystonia, post-stroke rehabilitation, radiculopathy, ADD, ADHD, Asberger’s, and several more. You get the quality care and understanding of our staff to treat your neurological needs without an increase in risk and complications that accompany the use of medications and surgery. Our staff will work hard to find the location of the problem, but also a solution to fix the problem. We don’t believe in covering up the problem with the use of medications. This benefits no one and with that end result you generally find yourself back at the beginning facing the problem again.

If you have went the traditional route in neurological medicine and are not responding to your current treatment plan, then maybe you need to consider Chiropractic Neurology as your next step towards getting better. If you or someone you know is suffering from a neurological based condition and would like more information on the ways Dr. Hoffman can help your current neurological needs, please contact our office to schedule an appointment at (815)937-0446 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (815)937-0446 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.