Cervicogenic Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache, meaning it arises due to an underlying issue—in this case, problems in the cervical spine (the upper part of the spine located in the neck).
Key Characteristics of Cervicogenic Headaches
1. Location of Pain:
The pain typically begins in the neck and radiates upward to the head, often affecting one side. It may localize to areas such as:
o The back of the head
o The temples
o The forehead
o Behind the eyes
2. Causes:
These headaches result from issues in the neck, such as:
o Muscle tension
o Joint dysfunction
o Nerve irritation
Contributing factors can include poor posture, neck injuries, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
3. Pain Characteristics:
The pain is usually described as dull, aching, and steady. It often worsens with certain neck movements or positions.
4. Associated Symptoms:
People with cervicogenic headaches may also experience:
o Neck pain and stiffness
o Relief through massages or applying pressure to specific points in the neck or upper back
5. Common Triggers:
Activities involving prolonged neck strain or repetitive movements, such as:
o Extended computer use
o Reading in awkward positions
o Other activities that strain the neck
6. Response to Medications:
Unlike other types of headaches, cervicogenic headaches may not respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers since the root cause lies in the cervical spine.
Diagnosis and Overlap with Other Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches share symptoms with other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches, making diagnosis challenging. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or pain specialist, is essential for accurate identification and effective treatment planning.
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Treatment Options for Cervicogenic Headaches
1. Physical Therapy:
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck and upper back muscles can improve posture and alleviate muscle tension.
2. Manual Therapy:
Techniques like joint mobilization or manipulation, performed by a physical therapist or chiropractor, may enhance cervical spine mobility.
3. Medications:
Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs might be prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Posture and Ergonomics:
Correcting posture and making ergonomic adjustments to workstations or daily routines can help prevent recurrences.
5. Stress Management:
Stress often contributes to muscle tension, exacerbating headaches. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and biofeedback can be effective.
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Seeking Professional Care
If you suspect you have cervicogenic headaches, consult a healthcare professional for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. While evidence suggests that manual therapy may be effective for treating these headaches, outcomes vary based on individual factors, including the condition's severity, the therapist's expertise, and the patient's overall health.
External Resource about cervicogenic headaches
Some possible exercise videos
( These exercises seem simple and safe to me if done according to the instructions. However this is at the user`s own risk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMcsC4QTEuc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UTd2Ev8eYg
Here are a few references that you can consider as starting points for further exploration of the efficacy of manual therapy for cervicogenic headaches:
1. Effectiveness of Manual Therapy and Acupuncture in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review.
Turkistani A, Shah A, Jose AM, Melo JP, Luenam K, Ananias P, Yaqub S, Mohammed L. Cureus. 2021 Aug 31;13(8):e17601. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17601. eCollection 2021 Aug.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8483450/
2. Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review. Núñez-Cabaleiro P, Leirós-Rodríguez R. Headache. 2022 Mar;62(3):271-283.
doi: 10.1111/head.14278. Epub 2022 Mar 16. PMID: 35294051 Review.
https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.14278
3.Upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation versus mobilization and exercise in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multi-center randomized clinical trial.
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. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016 Feb 6;17:64. doi: 10.1186/s12891-016-0912-3.
https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-016-0912-3