Headaches are quite common and can occur in people of any age, however, did you know not every headache is the same? There may be cases when the cause of your headache is stiffness in your neck. This type of headache originating from the neck and causing discomfort is called cervicogenic headache.
We spoke to Dr Praveen Gupta, Director and Unit Head, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for cervicogenic headaches.
What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Dr Gupta said that cervicogenic headache is caused by stiffness in the neck with difficulty in neck movement, resulting in pain located behind the occipital bone. However, the other types of headaches that originate from the back of the head, which seem to be originating from the neck are "Occipital Neuralgias", which are current-like pains that occur in the back of your head.
How Is It Different From Migraines?
Dr Gupta added that even migraines can originate from the back of the head and spread to the front, to the temporal, and frontal areas. The characteristic feature of migraine is that they last for over 2-3 days and are accompanied by symptoms, such as nausea, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), and are identified by trigger factors like light, fasting, stress, menstruation, specific food items, or perfumes. These triggers help differentiate migraines from cervicogenic headaches.
Also Read: Migraines: Causes, Triggers & Foods You Should Avoid
Symptoms Of Cervicogenic Headaches
Dr Gupta said that cervicogenic headaches are relatively rare and are usually accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Severe neck and shoulder stiffness
- Pain or numbness radiating to the arms and pain extending upwards from the neck to the back of the head (occipital region)
- Pain is usually one-sided and can be described as a dull, aching sensation.
Causes Of Cervicogenic Headaches
The primary cause of cervicogenic headaches is dysfunction in the cervical spine, which refers to the neck region. This dysfunction can stem from various factors, including muscle imbalances, poor posture, whiplash injuries, cervical disc degeneration, or arthritis. The pain arises when the nerves in the cervical spine become irritated or compressed, leading to referred pain in the head.
Dr Gupta added that prolonged sitting or maintaining a fixed neck position can exacerbate cervicogenic headaches, while muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy can provide relief.
Diagnosis Of Cervicogenic Headache
Dr Gupta said that when conducting diagnostic tests, X-rays of the neck often reveal cervical spondylitis, a degenerative condition associated with age-related changes in the cervical spine bones. However, the presence of spondylitis on an X-ray does not necessarily diagnose a headache as cervicogenic. This finding is quite common and therefore, when assessing a headache occurring in the back of the head and neck, it is essential to consider the above diagnosis and evaluate the clinical features to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment to resolve the issue.”
Also Read: Tired Of Painful Headaches? Here Are 4 Yoga Asanas You Should Try
Treatment Options For Cervicogenic Headache
The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, improve neck function, and address the underlying cause. Non-surgical interventions are typically the first line of treatment and may include a combination of the following approaches:
Physical Therapy
This involves exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and increase range of motion. Physical therapists may also use techniques, such as manual therapy, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation to provide pain relief.
Medications
To manage pain and reduce inflammation, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or analgesics may be administered. In some cases, nerve blocks or injections of corticosteroids may be recommended to provide temporary relief.
Postural Adjustments
Correcting poor posture habits and maintaining proper alignment of the neck and spine can help reduce strain on the cervical spine and alleviate symptoms. Ergonomic modifications to workstations and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary to achieve optimal posture.
Stress Management
Stress and tension can exacerbate cervicogenic headaches. Techniques, such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and biofeedback can be beneficial in managing stress and reducing headache frequency.
Disclaimer
This article contains information provided by the expert, however, we recommend you to consult with your expert for a diagnosis based on your body type and medical history.