Cervicogenic Headaches

Almost all of us have experienced a bad headache that interferes with our daily activities. For some, those headaches can occur nearly every day or up to several times per week. That can play a huge role in quality of life. One type of headache – a cervicogenic headache – is common for people in certain careers, including desk work, hair stylists, carpenters, and truck drivers, due to the positions they are required to work in. Even looking at your phone or other screens for a long time can exacerbate a headache due to the postures of holding the head in front of the body. This can put extra strain through the muscles in the upper back and neck.

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that come from upper neck impairments. The upper neck joints and muscles can send (refer) pain signals to the head. This pain could be felt in the forehead, behind the eye, in the temple, and in or around the ear. (1)

An examination of the neck to assess for mobility of the upper cervical joints and pain can differentiate between a cervicogenic headache and other types of headaches. (2)

Treatment at Kepros PT

Your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire body including the neck, thoracic spine, and shoulders. It’s important to look at the body as a whole as there are often numerous factors that can affect your symptoms

Manual Interventions plus exercise have been shown to be the most effective way of treating cervicogenic headaches. These manual techniques may include soft tissue work, spinal manipulation and mobilization, dry needling or range of motion. This may help reduce medication intake. (3)

Postural evaluation, education and strengthening can help set you up for success in your work or home environment.

Vestibular rehabilitation involves treating symptoms of dizziness or vertigo which may also occur with cervicogenic headaches. Your therapist may also work with you on exercises that help with proprioception, or the ability to tell where your head/neck are in space.