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Cervicogenic Headaches

Headache Treatment:
Understanding The Difference Between Cervicogenic Headaches and Other Headaches

Headaches that start and intensify at your forehead or around your eye sockets are often due to sinus pressure or irritation of the connective tissue in the brain (i.e. dehydration). Headaches that start at the base of your neck and extend up your head, around your head or down into your neck are referred to as cervicogenic headaches (CGHs).

Headaches caused by sinus pressure or irritation of the connective tissue respond well to NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) as it inhibits the pain receptors and in time the headache will often resolve on its own or with conjunction of drinking water or relieving sinus pressure. NSAIDs will inhibit the pain receptors for cervicogenic headaches, however it will not have a lasting effect as the muscle and joint limitations can remain and when the NSAIDs wears off, the pain will return. In order to make a positive change to a cervicogenic headache one must make a change in the tissues to correct the root of the cause and to successfully be rid of the cervicogenic headache.

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What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?

Psychological stress and fatigue, poor posture, sleeping habits, carrying heavy items such as briefcases and luggage, using a shoulder strap for a heavy purse or bag or sitting/standing at poorly designed work stations, and sitting in chairs or car seats can all trigger cervicogenic headaches.

  • 47% of the global population suffers from a headache, and 15-20% of those are cervicogenic
  • Females seem to be more predisposed to CGHs affecting 4 times as many women as men
  • Up to 44% of CGH patients have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues as well

How Can Physical Therapy Alleviate Pain From Cervicogenic Headaches?

The aggravating factors listed above will affect the suboccipitals which attach from the upper cervical spine to the base of the head, the upper trapezius which attaches from the shoulder to the base of the head and the sternocleidomastoid which attaches from the collarbone to the base of the skull. One of the factors that results in cervicogenic headaches will cause one or more of these muscles to shorten and in turn “pull” at the base of the skull causing this cervicogenic headache. In addition to muscular restrictions, someone suffering from cervicogenic headaches can have dysfunctional movement patterns in their cervical spine, particularly of the upper cervical spine zygapophyseal joints. Restoring joint mechanics of the locally involved segments and other near-by restricted segments (evidence in restoring upper thoracic spine mobility with positive outcomes in cervical spine pain reduction and mobility enhancements) are the goals of the physical therapist in helping to abolish cervicogenic headaches.

A physical therapist will take a thorough subjective history, analyze static and dynamic posture and assess biomechanical components contributing to the cervicogenic headaches. They may use manual or mechanical cervical traction, superficial heat, manual therapy techniques such as cervical or thoracic spinal manipulation/mobilization, progressive and gentle relaxation stretching techniques, active exercises of shoulder, neck and pericranial muscles, cranio-cervical exercises, and postural correction.

The most significant role physical therapists can play is addressing the root cause of your headaches and work with you to improve your overall posture, your ergonomic work set up and give patient specific advice for positioning while riding in cars, carrying bags etc.

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Jessica Jones

Physical Therapist

Jessica recently moved to Seattle from Boston, MA and is excited to join the Therapydia team. Her treatment experience includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and vestibular therapy. Jessica received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2016. She has completed the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and is in the process of completing a Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation certification. Jessica believes in empowering and inspiring patients to take control of their health through education, movement, and exercise. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and levels while utilizing soft tissue techniques, neuromuscular re-education, balance training as well as therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, dancing, kayaking, and hiking with her dog!