What Physical Therapy Is

What Is A Cervicogenic Headache?

Cervicogenic means ‘originating from the neck’.  A headache (HA) produced from the neck joints, muscles, or nerves is more common than you think accounting for 15-20 percent of all chronic and recurrent headaches.[1]  What does it mean to have a cervicogenic HA.  One, it can be easily tested and determined that it is coming from the neck, but don’t think you need to have severe neck problems in order for this to happen.  And two, by treating the neck it will alleviate the HAs. 

                The pattern for a cervicogenic HA is pain radiating to the front of the head, side of the head, or behind the eyes.  This mimics other forms of HAs, but the cervicogenic will have other signs such as 1. Being aggravated by neck movements or postures.   2. Reproduced by pressure over the upper neck.  3. Usually starts at the base of the head, where the head meets the neck, then spreads up and around the head.  4.  Can be confirmed by nerve block if a definitive diagnosis is required.[2]  Physical therapists are trained to recognize these traits and can tell if someone’s chronic HAs are stemming from the neck. 

                The actual source of the pain is most likely the joints between the upper bones of the neck.[3]  If those joints are treated effectively then the HAs resolve and the person can go about their day without taking medication.  Treatment would consist of manual therapy to loosen any tight or restrictive joints and to relax the muscle spasms that are sure to be present in the area.  Most often postural exercises will need to be performed to correct faulty body mechanics or to counteract poor sustained postures i.e. sitting at a desk for 40+ hours a week.  Modalities such as electrical stim, ultrasound, massage, or heat may help reduce symptoms but will not correct the underlying problem. 

                If you or someone you know has recurrent HAs it may be worth getting checked out by a physical therapist to see if the upper neck is a part of the problem.  HAs can be very debilitating and for 1 in 5 people there is a true cure, not just management.