Cervicogenic Headaches

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates (“genic”) from problems in the neck (“cervico”) and is referred to the head. This means the pain starts in the neck or upper back and radiates to the head.

Key Features:

  • Neck Pain: Typically, the headache is accompanied by neck pain or stiffness. You might notice pain that starts in the neck and moves to the head.

  • Pain Location: The pain often affects one side of the head and can be felt around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes.

  • Trigger Points: Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the neck muscles can be triggered or worsened by neck movements or pressure on specific areas of the neck.

  • Associated Symptoms: Some people may experience restricted neck movement, shoulder pain, or even dizziness.

Reference:

Peters, M., et al. (2023). "Management of Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review of Non-Surgical Interventions." Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31(2), 85-97.

Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches

Effective management of cervicogenic headaches often involves a multi-faceted approach. Here are some treatments that can help alleviate pain and address underlying cervical spine issues:

Chiropractic Treatment:

  • Description: Chiropractic care can involve spinal adjustments and mobilizations to improve the alignment and function of the cervical spine. These techniques can help reduce nerve irritation and restore proper movement.

  • Benefits: Adjustments may alleviate pain and improve overall spinal function, which can be particularly beneficial for cervicogenic headaches.

Exercise Therapy:

  • Description: Targeted exercises aim to strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the cervical spine. This includes exercises for improving posture, neck strength, and flexibility.

  • Benefits: Strengthening the muscles that support the cervical spine can reduce strain on the joints and improve alignment, leading to fewer headaches.

Myofascial Release:

  • Description: This technique involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the myofascial tissues to relieve muscle tightness and improve blood flow.

  • Benefits: Myofascial release can help reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which may alleviate headache pain associated with muscle tightness.

Education:

  • Description: Education involves teaching individuals about proper posture, ergonomics, and body mechanics. This includes guidance on how to sit, stand, and perform daily activities to reduce strain on the cervical spine.

  • Benefits: Understanding and implementing correct body mechanics can prevent further aggravation of cervicogenic headaches and improve overall spinal health.

Reference:

Goerl, K., & Galipeau, D. (2021). "Management of Cervicogenic Headaches: A Review of Evidence-Based Therapies." Current Pain and Headache Reports, 25(4), 27.

What Are the Best Exercises for Cervicogenic Headaches?

Effective exercises for cervicogenic headaches focus on relieving tension, improving posture, and strengthening the muscles supporting the cervical spine. This needs to be tailored to your specific health needs.

Here are some of the best exercises to help manage and reduce cervicogenic headaches:

Chin Tucks:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Gently tuck your chin toward your chest, creating a double chin. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

  • Benefits: Strengthens the deep neck flexors and helps improve posture, reducing strain on the cervical spine.

Neck Stretches:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides. You can also use your hand to gently pull your head deeper into the stretch for added effect.

  • Benefits: Stretches the muscles along the side of the neck, helping to alleviate tension and improve flexibility.

Shoulder Blade Squeezes:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if you’re trying to pinch a pencil between them. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

  • Benefits: Strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades, improving posture and reducing strain on the cervical spine.

Upper Trapezius Stretch:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Gently grasp the back of your chair or a stable surface with one hand. Tilt your head to the opposite side and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

  • Benefits: Targets the upper trapezius muscles, which are commonly tight in individuals with cervicogenic headaches.

Neck Extension:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Gently tilt your head backward, looking up at the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.

  • Benefits: Stretches the muscles at the back of the neck and can help counteract forward head posture.

Scalene Stretch:

  • How to Do It: Sit or stand with your back straight. Place one hand behind your back to stabilize your shoulder. Tilt your head backward and to the side, then rotate your head slightly to the opposite side. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

  • Benefits: Stretches the scalene muscles, which can become tight and contribute to cervicogenic headaches.

Reference:

Colbert, A. P., & Fitzgibbons, P. G. (2020). "Exercise and Physical Therapy for Cervicogenic Headaches: A Review of Current Evidence." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(7), 390-398.

How Does Pain from Cervicogenic Headaches Develop?

Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck) and are characterized by pain that typically starts in the neck and spreads to the head. Here’s how pain from cervicogenic headaches develops:

  • Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Problems in the cervical spine, such as misalignment, poor posture, or joint dysfunction, can irritate or compress nerves and soft tissues. This irritation can lead to pain that radiates from the neck to the head.

  • Muscle Tension and Strain: Muscles around the cervical spine, including those in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, can become tense or strained due to poor posture, overuse, or injury. This muscle tension can contribute to pain and stiffness, which can refer pain to the head.

  • Referred Pain: The cervical spine has nerve pathways that can transmit pain signals to different areas of the head. Dysfunction or irritation in the cervical spine can cause these nerves to send pain signals to the forehead, temples, and back of the head.

  • Joint Dysfunction: The cervical facet joints, which are small joints located between the vertebrae in the neck, can become inflamed or dysfunctional. This dysfunction can cause localized pain that may spread to the head.

  • Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching or leaning forward, can place additional stress on the cervical spine. Over time, this stress can lead to joint dysfunction, muscle strain, and ultimately headache pain.

  • Trigger Points: Trigger points are tight areas within muscle tissue that can cause localized pain and refer pain to other areas. In the case of cervicogenic headaches, trigger points in the neck and upper back muscles can contribute to headache pain.

Pain from cervicogenic headaches typically starts in the neck and may spread to the back of the head, temples, or forehead. The discomfort can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

Reference:

Stovner, L. J., et al. (2021). "Cervicogenic Headache: An Overview of the Pathophysiology and Treatment Options." The Journal of Headache and Pain, 22(1), 3.

How Can We Help You?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help You?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

  • Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

  • Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

  • Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.

MoveMed UK, where Movement is Medicine.