Cervicogenic Headache Treatment
Cervicogenic Headaches are secondary headaches of an upper cervical spine origin that can refer pain into the head. Often the pain is felt behind the base of the head or with radiation to the forehead area above one or both eyes. These headaches often present similarly to migraines or cluster headaches but are not responsive to the treatments for such headaches. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by a misalignment of the vertebra or from degenerative changes at the neck affecting mobility, especially at the occiput (skull), & C1-C2 spinal segments. Your Doctor of Physical Therapy can screen you to see if your headaches are of upper cervical origin and offer immediate treatment. This can involve manual techniques involving joint mobilization, manipulation, or muscle energy techniques to restore proper resting tone to the muscles that attach to the upper cervical spine, as well as improve the biomechanics of these spinal segments with movement. Ergonomics, postural education, and strengthening/stretching exercises addressing the upper quarter will be integrated into your program as well, in order to prevent any reoccurrence.