Wait, my headache is coming from my neck?
According to the International Headache Society headaches affect just under half of the world’s population. Among those 15-25% are referred from the cervical spine, a category classified as “cervicogenic.” These headaches often manifest as pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the forehead or temple on one side. They can be triggered or exacerbated by certain neck movements or positions, as the muscles and joints in your neck are not functioning optimally. Since cervicogenic headaches result from a mechanical problem, medications are often ineffective at treating the symptoms.
**Note: seek immediate medical attention if you have a progressively more severe and “different” headache, spinning dizziness, slurred speech, or numbness or weakness in your arms or face.**
Some Common Causes and Triggers of Cervicogenic Headaches
- Poor Posture:
Prolonged periods of poor posture, especially when working at a desk or using electronic devices, can contribute to or exacerbate cervicogenic headaches. - Neck Injuries:
Previous neck injuries, such as whiplash or muscle strains, can lead to chronic tension and cervicogenic headaches. - Degenerative Conditions:
Conditions like osteoarthritis or herniated discs in the cervical spine may contribute to cervicogenic headaches.
What can Chiropractic do for a Cervicogenic Headache?
Successful management of cervicogenic headaches requires a multifaceted approach. Since they result from dysfunction of the joints and muscles in your neck spinal manipulation and soft tissue work (massage and/or trigger point therapy) are a cornerstone of treatment. A 2018 Spine Journal study found that spinal manipulation cuts the number of symptomatic days in half in those suffering from cervicogenic headache.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular Breaks:
Take breaks to stretch and move, especially if you have a sedentary job. - Ergonomic Workspace:
Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders. - Stay Hydrated:
Proper hydration is important to support your overall health, and is vital in the prevention and treatment of headaches.
References
Stovner LJ, Hagen K, Jensen R, Katsarava Z, Lipton RB, Scher AI, Steiner TJ, Zwart JA. The global burden of headache: a documentation of headache prevalence and disability worldwide. Cephalalgia. 2007 Mar;27(3):193-210.
Racicki S, Gerwin S, DiClaudio S, Reinmann S, Donaldson M. Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. Journal of manual & manipulative therapy. 2013 May 1;21(2):113-24.
Haas M, Bronfort G, Evans R, Schulz C, Vavrek D, Takaki L, Hanson L, Leininger B, Neradilek MB. Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for care of cervicogenic headache: a dual-center randomized controlled trial. The Spine Journal. 2018 Oct 1;18(10):1741-54.
Lamb Chiropractic CNY 