What are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originate from the arises from the?atlanto-occipital?and?upper cervical joints?and is perceived in one or more regions of the head and/or face. These headaches are often caused by underlying issues such as degenerative disc disease, cervical arthritis, or whiplash injuries. The pain typically starts in the neck and radiates to the head, usually affecting one side.
A cervicogenic?headache is thought to be referred pain arising from irritation caused by cervical structures innervated by spinal nerves C1, C2,?and?C3; therefore, any structure innervated by the C1–C3 spinal nerves could be the source for a cervicogenic headache.
This may include the joints, disc, ligaments, and musculature. The lower cervical spine may play an indirect role in pain production if dysfunctional, but there is no evidence of a direct referral pattern.
- Head pain on only one side
- Pain that radiates from the neck to the head, forehead, temple, or behind the eyes
- Pain in the shoulders or upper back
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Exacerbated by neck movement or posture
- Tenderness of the upper 3 cervical spine joints
- Compared to migraine headache and control groups, cervicogenic headache group patients tend to have increased tightness and trigger points in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, scalenes?and suboccipital extensors
- Weakness in the deep neck flexors
- Atrophy in the suboccipital extensors and so the deep muscle sleeve which is important for active support of the cervical segments becomes impaired
Factors likely to cause cervicogenic headaches include:
- Neck injuries:?Whiplash, falls, or any other type of injury to the neck can cause head pain.
- Poor?posture:?Sitting or standing hunched for an extended duration can strain the neck muscles and lead to headaches.
- Muscle tension:?Stress and tension can cause the neck muscles to tighten, leading to a headache.
- Structural issues:?Conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or a herniated disc in the cervical spine can contribute. Tumors can also cause cervicogenic headaches.
- Referred pain:?Pain from other body areas, such as the shoulders or upper back, can lead to referred head pain.
Those who engage in strenuous activity, who adopt a forward head posture, and women are all at an increased risk for these types of headaches.
Certainly! Here's how a physiotherapist might approach managing cervicogenic headaches, including the use of acupuncture:
- Spinal Joint Mobilizations: Gentle adjustments to the cervical spine to improve alignment and reduce pain.
- Soft Tissue Release: Techniques like soft tissue release to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow.
- Stretching Exercises: To improve neck flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Strengthening Exercises: To support the neck muscles and improve posture. This helps in reducing postural strains on the upper cervical segments and helps in a better postural control.
- Maintaining Good Posture: Ensuring proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine while sitting, standing, and sleeping.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Modifying workstations to reduce strain on the neck, such as adjusting chair height and monitor position.
- Regular Breaks: Taking breaks to move and stretch, especially if you have a desk job.
- Proper Sleeping Position: Avoiding sleeping on the stomach and using a supportive pillow to keep the neck aligned with the spine.
- Needling Techniques: Inserting fine needles into specific points in the neck helps to increase blood flow and promote release of endorphins, it also helps achieve central analgesia.
- Trigger Point Release: Targeting areas of tightness and discomfort to release muscle knots and alleviate headache symptoms.
- Complementary Therapy: Acupuncture is often used alongside other physiotherapy techniques to provide a holistic approach to headache management.
Combining these approaches can help address the underlying causes of cervicogenic headaches and provide relief. It's important to consult with a physiotherapist for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. They can help identify the root cause of your headaches and provide targeted interventions to manage and prevent them.
