Cervicogenic Headaches
What is it?
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Cervicogenic headaches are headaches arising from problems in the neck. There are multiple causes for why this may happen.
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These headaches are often one sided and may start at the back of the head and radiate up the top of the head or around to the front of the head.
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Neck pain is usually also present.
Typical Symptoms/features:
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Reduced movement of the neck or pain with movements.
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One sided or one side dominant headaches.
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Non-throbbing pain, usually begins in the neck.
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Headaches that improve when neck pain improves.
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Pain with pressing on the upper neck joints and/or surrounding muscles.
Management:
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Activity modification
- When you first start noticing neck pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle.
- However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker.
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Ice or heat
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Pain relief
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Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.
Do I need imaging?
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Imaging (X-rays or scans) is rarely required to diagnose cervicogenic headaches.
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X-rays and scans are most appropriately used after a serious injury.
