040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
Cervicogenic Headaches: Causes, Triggers and Diagnosis
Headaches are a common ailment, but not all headaches are the same. One type, called cervicogenic headaches, originates not from the head itself but from the cervical spine or neck. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cervicogenic headaches can help you manage this condition effectively.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches, which means they are caused by another issue, specifically in the cervical spine. Unlike migraines or tension headaches that start in the brain, cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the neck.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionCervicogenic Headaches Causes
Several factors can contribute to the development of cervicogenic headaches. Understanding the Cause of Cervicogenic Headaches can help in effectively diagnosing and treating the condition.
Neck Injuries
Injuries to the neck, such as whiplash or other trauma, can lead to cervicogenic headaches. These injuries can cause misalignment or damage to the cervical vertebrae, leading to pain that radiates to the head.
Poor Posture
Poor posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can strain the neck muscles and cervical spine. This strain can lead to cervicogenic headaches.
Arthritis
Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the cervical spine, leading to inflammation and pain that can trigger cervicogenic headaches.
Disc Problems
Herniated or degenerated discs in the cervical spine can compress nerves, causing pain that radiates to the head.
Triggers of Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches arise from a different part of the body, specifically the cervical spine (neck), almost always caused by problems involving the neck's muscles, joints or nerves. These headaches are commonly confused with either migraines or tension headaches, although they’re directly related to neck issues.
Common Triggers of Cervicogenic Headaches:
- Repetitive Movements: Activities that require repetitive neck movements, such as looking at a screen for long hours or working in a bent position, can strain the neck muscles and nerves.
- Cervical Spine Disorders: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, herniated discs, or cervical spondylosis in the cervical spine can compress nerves and lead to cervicogenic headaches.
- Stress And Tension: Emotional stress can cause a tightening of the muscles in the neck and the shoulders and can result in cervicogenic headaches.
- Sleep Problems: Poor sleeping posture or lack of proper pillow support may cause stiffness in the neck and trigger these headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache Symptoms
Knowing the Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches can help differentiate cervicogenic headaches from other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches.
Unilateral Pain
One of the hallmark symptoms of cervicogenic headaches is unilateral pain, meaning the pain is usually on one side of the head. This pain often starts in the neck and radiates up to the head.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Cervicogenic headaches are often accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. This is because the source of the headache is in the cervical spine.
Pain Triggered by Neck Movement
Moving your neck can worsen the pain, and certain neck movements or positions may trigger the headache.
Reduced Range of Motion
You may experience a reduced range of motion in your neck, making it difficult to turn your head fully.
Diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headache
Diagnosing cervicogenic headaches involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Here are some common methods used:
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including the location, intensity, and duration of your headaches. They will also inquire about any neck injuries or conditions you may have.
Physical Examination
A physical examination will focus on your neck. Your doctor may check for tenderness, range of motion, and any signs of nerve compression.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help identify any structural problems in the cervical spine that may be causing your headaches.
Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
In some cases, a diagnostic nerve block may be used. This involves injecting a local anesthetic into specific nerves in the neck to see if it relieves the headache. If the pain subsides, it can confirm a cervicogenic headache diagnosis.
Cervicogenic Headaches Treatment
There are various treatment options available for managing cervicogenic headaches. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms.
Cervicogenic Headaches Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain. In some cases, prescription medications such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be highly effective in treating cervicogenic headaches. A physical therapist will work with you to improve your posture, strengthen neck muscles, and increase the range of motion in your neck.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves spinal adjustments and manipulations to improve alignment and relieve pressure on nerves. This can be particularly effective for cervicogenic headaches caused by misalignment or disc problems.
Injections
Injections such as nerve blocks or steroid injections can provide temporary relief from cervicogenic headaches. These are usually considered when other treatments have not been effective.
CH Surgery
In severe cases, when other treatments have failed, surgery may be an option. Surgical procedures aim to correct structural problems in the cervical spine that are causing the headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache Treatment at Home
At-home treatment for cervicogenic headaches includes applying heat or cold compresses to the neck to reduce pain and inflammation. Resting in a comfortable position, avoiding triggers, and practicing relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms.
Cervicogenic Headache Exercises
Cervical headache exercises specifically target the muscles around the neck to strengthen them, improve posture, and relieve cervical headaches. These exercises could be gentle neck stretches, range-of-motion exercises and strengthening routines, to relieve the pressure on the cervical spine.
Cervicogenic Headache Sleeping Posture
Sleeping properly is the key to prevent cervicogenic headache. When sleeping on your back or side use a supportive pillow that aligns your neck with your spine. Sleeping on your stomach increases the strain in the neck and the chances of a headache occurring, so try to avoid it.
By following these treatments and consulting with a cervicogenic headache specialist, you can effectively manage and reduce the frequency of these debilitating headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migraine
It's crucial to differentiate cervicogenic headaches from migraines, as the treatment approaches can differ significantly.
Pain Location
While cervicogenic headaches are usually unilateral, migraines can affect both sides of the head. Migraines often come with additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Pain Trigger
Cervicogenic headaches are often triggered by neck movements, while migraines can be triggered by various factors, including stress, certain foods, and hormonal changes.
Associated Symptoms
Migraines often come with auras, visual disturbances, or other sensory changes before the headache begins. These are not typically seen with cervicogenic headaches.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Cervicogenic Headaches
Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage and prevent cervicogenic headaches.
Improve Posture
Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting for long periods, can reduce strain on your neck. Make sure your workstation is ergonomically designed to support proper posture.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can strengthen neck muscles and improve overall flexibility, reducing the risk of cervicogenic headaches.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate headaches. Practicing stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help.
Avoid Neck Strain
Be mindful of activities that strain your neck, such as looking down at your phone for extended periods. Take regular breaks to stretch and move your neck.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Complications from Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache that arises from the neck, usually from the cervical spine, due to nerve compression or musculoskeletal problems. Although this disease mainly brings pain to the neck and head, it can cause few complications if not treated.
Common Complications from Cervicogenic Headache:
- Chronic Pain: If not treated appropriately, cervicogenic headaches can become chronic, in which case, they can result in chronic pain in the neck and head that can get in the way of daily functions and impact the quality of life.
- Neck Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: The joint or disc problems can cause rigidness in those areas and decrease neck mobility, which can impact a person's posture and movement.
- Frequent Headaches: One of the common consequences of untreated cervicogenic headaches is that potential headaches that may have just being mild would start becoming more frequent and severe with time.
- Impact on Mental Health: Chronic pain often leads to mental health problems, especially anxiety, depression, and irritability because of chronic pain and frustration related to cervicogenic headaches.
- Difficulty in Concentration: The persistent pain may make it difficult to focus on tasks, affecting both work and personal life.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.
Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What are the causes of cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are thought to be caused by some problem in the neck (cervical spine) like muscle strain, nerve irritation, or injury to discs or joints. These headaches can also be caused by poor posture, whiplash injuries and degenerative changes of the spine.
What are the symptoms of cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches typically are denoted by pain in the base of the skull which travels to the forehead, temple and eyes. The pain may intensify with neck movement, and may also be accompanied by neck stiffness, shoulder discomfort, and restricted range of motion.
How is cervicogenic headache diagnosed?
Cervicogenic headaches are diagnosed based on a physical examination in which a healthcare provider evaluates movement of the neck and patterns of pain. Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI scans) may be done to rule out other conditions and determine what underlying issues exist in the cervical spine.
What are the treatment options for cervicogenic headaches?
The approach to managing cervicogenic headaches can encompass physical therapy, certain drug therapies to relieve pain, and exercises that work to strengthen the neck musculature. Heat or cold packs, proper posture, and relaxation techniques are also part of management to effectively manage symptoms.
How do cervicogenic headaches differ from migraines?
The difference between cervicogenic headaches and migraines are that in cervicogenic, neck pain is the source of pain and these headaches can be provoked by neck motion, in contrast with migraines that are rather neurological in origin. Migraines typically cause more severe, throbbing pain as well as nausea and sensitivity to light, neither of which occur with cervicogenic headaches.
Feeling unwell?
Request a callback!
