Cervicogenic Headache

by | Jun 7, 2023 | Blog, General Physio | 0 comments

Winnie Wong explains what a Cervicogenic Headache is, the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help.

 

Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache which originates from the upper cervical spine. The pain starts from the neck and refers up into the head. It has been reported to account for 20% of headaches and is more common in women than men.

Cervicogenic headaches usually present as a constant dull pain, however the intensity can worsen and may have a huge impact on daily function. A randomised control trial by Rodríguez-Sanz, J at el. (2022) found that four x 20 minutes sessions of manual therapy and home exercise program was more effective than just exercise alone in reducing the symptoms of cervicogenic headache and improving cervical range of motion.

 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

 

Signs and symptoms include:

  • One sided headache
  • Pain in the neck, shoulder and/or arm of the same side of the headache
  • Provoked by sustained positions
  • Reduced cervical range of motion (stiff neck)
  • Reduced deep neck flexor strength

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Risk factors include:

  • More prevalent in women
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Forward head posture
  • Kyphotic posture (hunch back)

 

HOW A PHYSIOTHERAPIST CAN HELP YOU

 

Following are some of the ways that a physiotherapist can help:

  • Manual therapy – cervical joint mobilization
  • Exercises – deep neck flexor strengthening
  • Posture retraining – reduced forward head posture

 

At Innovations Physio & Pilates, we can assist with getting you back to your activities with confidence and comfort.

 

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