Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originate from the cervical spine or neck region. These headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches. Understanding cervicogenic headaches can help patients and their healthcare providers better manage and treat the condition. In this patient education document, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for cervicogenic headaches.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cervicogenic headaches can vary from person to person but typically include:

• Pain on one side of the head or face

• Pain that starts in the neck or base of the skull

• Pain that is worsened by neck movement

• Limited range of motion in the neck

• Pain that is not accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound

Causes:

Cervicogenic headaches are typically caused by neck problems such as:

• Poor posture

• Neck injuries

• Arthritis

• Herniated cervical discs

• Degenerative disc disease

• Whiplash

• Poor ergonomics

• Repetitive strain injuries

Diagnosis:

Cervicogenic headaches can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other types of headaches. Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination to look for signs of neck problems such as limited range of motion, tenderness, or muscle spasms. Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may also be ordered to rule out other causes of headache.

Treatment:

Treatment for cervicogenic headaches typically focuses on addressing the underlying neck problem. This may include:

• Rehab exercises to improve neck range of motion and strength

• Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment

• Massage therapy to relax tight muscles (Cupping, IASTM, Manual Therapy)

• Dry needling to decrease muscle tension and promote blood flow to the region

• Medications such as muscle relaxants or pain relievers

• Injections of corticosteroids or anesthetics into the neck

• Surgery in rare cases

Conclusion:

Cervicogenic headaches can be a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. If you are experiencing persistent headaches that are not responding to over-the-counter medications, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. With proper diagnosis and treatment, cervicogenic headaches can often be effectively managed, improving quality of life and reducing pain and discomfort.

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Systematic Review Citations:

1. Bogduk N. Cervicogenic headache: anatomic basis and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2001 Feb;5(1):12-20. doi: 10.1007/s11916-001-0013-y. PMID: 11177721.

2. Chaibi A, Russell MB. Manual therapies for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. J Headache Pain. 2012 Oct;13(5):351-9. doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0453-3. Epub 2012 May 5. PMID: 22562170; PMCID: PMC3476326.

3. Schomacher J, Falla D. Cervicogenic headache: current perspectives on diagnosis and management. J Pain Res. 2019;12:1249-1260. Published 2019 Apr 26. doi:10.2147/JPR.S183224

4. van Suijlekom HA, Lame I, Stomp-van den Berg SG, Kessels AG, Weber WE. Quality of systematic reviews on cervicogenic headache: a systematic review of their methodology. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2013 Sep;36(7):425-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.07.002. PMID: 24035559.

Information on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional regarding your medical condition.