Cervicogenic headache takes its origin from the neck in the form of a dull ache, slowly radiating upwards and occupying one or both sides of the back of the head. Most patients with this type of headache complained of the headache just on one side but rarely the headache spreads to occupy both temples, areas above and around the ears and eyes. The underlying cause most often is a pinched nerve at the base of the neck and can be easily treated if addressed at its early stages.
Symptoms of cervicogenic headache
- Neck stiffness
- Pain in the back of the head, on one side of the head, and face
- Headache associated with certain neck positions and postures
- Throbbing in character
- Neck stiffness
- Pain around the eyes (if the nerve supplying to this area is involved)
- Numbness and tingling
- Pin and needle sensations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Photophobia and phonophobia
Causes of cervicogenic headache
Pain in cervicogenic headache is triggered by any sort of problem that arises in the root of the neck. The problem might be as insignificant as a bad posture, falling asleep on high pillows or long tiresome working hours to a whiplash injury to the cervical spine, disc herniation, osteoarthritis to name a few. The pain felt is basically due to a pinched nerve in the neck region that supplies the areas affected by it. Thus, are more commonly known as pinched nerve headaches.
In case of an injury, bad posture or an awkward sleeping position the muscles in the neck become tight and inflamed. The inflammation causes pressure on the nerves passing by and thus a headache.
In most cases, pain aggravates with movement, coughing, and sneezing.
What may trigger a cervicogenic headache?
- A bad posture
- Falling asleep in an upright position (while sitting in a chair or on the bed)
- Long hours in a standing position
If you’re having a pain in your neck that also radiates to your head, more often, chances are that your posture is not correct. Sitting at a table with your back humped and your chin slightly pushed forward from your body- a condition known as cervical protraction. This exerts pressure on nerves in the neck (cervical) region.
Management of cervicogenic headache
Diagnosis:
- The throbbing pain that is caused by tiring work hours can easily be mistaken as a migraine or a tension headache
- To confirm the cause of these headaches, you should see a doctor. The doctor is more likely to examine your neck muscle to find out the location of the injury (if any). He will also look for pain associated with the position to confirm a cervicogenic headache
- An X-ray will be conducted to rule out any other cause
- CT Scan gives better visuals
Medical treatment:
- Over the counter analgesics: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen to relieve pain
- Muscle relaxant: To ease the taught muscles
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs to help release the inflammation
- Anti-seizure medications and antidepressants
- Corticosteroids: The doctor might suggest injecting a corticosteroid if the inflammation is pinching the nerve and the pain has become debilitating. The numbing agent or corticosteroid into or near the nerves relieves the inflammation to help release the nerves from the pressure. If the headache goes away after this treatment, this confirms the problem associated with the neck muscles
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Involves placing small electrodes on temples which generate an electric signal that reaches the nerves
Surgical options:
- A nerve block can give permanent relief to some individuals if the headache is caused by an irritated nerve
- Neuromodulation involves placing an electrode at the back of the head that sends electrical signals to the affected nerve
Physiotherapy:
For recurring cervicogenic headaches, physiotherapy sessions can help restore the lost power of the muscles and tissues. This also helps improve joint mobility to regulate smooth movement.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies
- Improve posture while sitting, standing, lying down, or driving
- Yoga and stretching also help with muscle tension
- Use ice packs to help with inflammation
- A neck brace can help if symptoms aggravate
FAQ
Why am I told to get an injection in my neck?
The doctor might suggest injecting a corticosteroid if the inflammation is pinching the nerve and the pain has become debilitating. The numbing agent or corticosteroid into or near the nerves relieves the inflammation and the nerves are released from the pressure. If the headache goes away after this treatment, this confirms the problem associated with the neck muscles.
How can I confirm that I’ve been having cervicogenic headache?
To confirm the cause of these headaches, you should see a doctor. The doctor is more likely to examine your neck muscle to find out the location of the injury (if any). He will also look for pain associated with the position to confirm a cervicogenic headache.
How can I relieve my headache at home?
- Improve posture while sitting, standing, lying down, or driving
- Yoga and stretching also help with muscle tension
- Use ice packs to help with inflammation
- A neck brace can help if symptoms aggravate
What medications can I take for cervicogenic headache?
- Over the counter analgesics: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen to relieve pain
- Muscle relaxant: To ease the taught muscles
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs to help release the inflammation
