Cervicogenic Headaches – Headaches originating from the upper neck
What causes them?
Headaches can sometimes be caused by a problem with the neck, these are called Cervicogenic headaches. This type of headache is usually, but not always accompanied by neck pain and can be one sided or on both sides of the head and neck.
Symptoms
- Reduced range of movement of the neck or pain with movements
- Headache significantly improves/goes away at the same time as neck pain
- One sided or one side dominant headaches
- Pain with pressing on the upper neck joints and/or surrounding muscles
- Weakness in the deep neck muscles
- Non-throbbing pain, usually begins in the neck
Management
- Activity modification
- Heat
- Pain relief
- Physiotherapy to include mobilisations , manual therapy, soft tissue and myofascial release techniques. Always range of movement and strengthening exercises
