Cervicogenic Headache

A  cervicogenic headache is simply another name for a headache which originates from the neck and is one of the most common types of headache. Cervicogenic headaches are mild to moderately severe, unilateral headaches which originate in the neck or suboccipital musculature and can evolve into temporal and forehead pain.  Several authors have hypothesized that dysfunction in the upper cervical segments (Occiput-C3) is a primary component in these headaches.

These headaches are usually insidious in onset secondary to postural faults, but may also be resultant of trauma.

Contributing factors to the development of cervicogenic headache

• poor posture
• neck and upper back stiffness
• muscle imbalances
• muscle weakness
• muscle tightness
• previous neck trauma (e.g. whiplash)
• inappropriate desk setup
• inappropriate pillow or sleeping postures
• a sedentary lifestyle
• a lifestyle comprising excessive slouching, bending forwards or shoulders forwards activities.
• stress
• dehydration

The main symptom of cervicogenic headaches are unilateral head and neck pain, however, they may cause a variety of symptoms in addition to pain.

These symptoms include cervical trigger points, motion loss, blurred vision, sleep

changes, and lower energy level. Several authors have studied the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for the treatment of cervicogenic headaches. There is evidence for the use of postural education, postural strengthening, mobilization/manipulation to the cervical and thoracic spine, and soft tissue mobilization.

Physiotherapy intervention should be focused on regaining normal cervical mobility in the upper cervical spine, decreasing soft tissue dysfunction (triggers and tightness), and patient education on posture. Using the above interventions, various studies have shown a significant decrease in frequency, intensity and duration of headache.

Exercises for cervical headache:

Neck ROM exercises,chin tucks, scapular sets 

Reference

Body one physical therapy

Physioadvisor.com.au

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