Cervicogenic Headache: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Dr.Nagesh Chandra, 2 mins read

Headaches can occur for many reasons, be it stress, trauma or eyestrain. But if it radiates from the neck, it may be a cervicogenic headache (CH). This kind of headache often arises from problems with nerves, bones and muscles in the neck.

It often resembles other types of headaches like migraine. This makes the problem often misdiagnosed or overlooked. So, it’s important to understand its symptoms to make informed decisions.

Symptoms
Some can experience pain after a sudden neck moment. Others can have a headache when the neck remains in the same position. CH can have other symptoms as well.

Pain
Usually, the pain is felt on one side of the head or face. Sometimes it can be experienced on both sides. The pain is like a dull, aching sensation. Some also experience attacks of pain that can last for hours or days.

Neck pain
This is a distinctive symptom of cervicogenic symptoms. The pain radiates from the neck to the head, usually the upper neck or base of the skull.

Pain in other areas
CH pain can be experienced in other areas as well like the back, front or eyes.

Limited range of motion
You can experience stiffness and reduced mobility that can make it difficult to turn or tilt the head.

CH can also cause symptoms like migraine. These include upset stomach, blurry vision, pain in the arm or shoulder and light and noise sensitivity.

Sometimes CH and migraine occur at the same time. This can make the diagnosis more difficult.

Causes
Cervicogenic headaches can occur due to a lot of reasons. Sometimes it is even hard to tell the real cause.

The known causes include problems with the neck, joints or neck muscles. Certain jobs that involve sudden neck movement or poor neck position for a long time can lead to this condition.

People who often hold their heads out of their body ‘forward head position” are also vulnerable to this problem. Because this position puts extra weight on the neck.

Other problems like a fall, arthritis, whiplash, sports injury or nerve compression may also contribute to CH.

Treatment and management
Cervicogenic headaches are treatable. There are several treatment options which can lessen the pain or even treat it completely. You may be recommended a combination of these options:

Home remedies: Deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation may benefit you. Also, avoid usage of mobile phones for prolonged duration.

Lifestyle changes: Work on your sleeping and working positions. Bring a comfortable mattress and pillow and an ergonomic working station. Use a neck brace if needed and avoid the tummy-sleeping position.

Medicines: Muscle relaxers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other pain relievers may help to reduce the symptoms. But it’s recommended to take the medicines only after the doctor’s suggestion.

Nerve block: These are the injections of medicines that block pain in specific nerves to provide temporary relief.

Physiotherapy: A holistic approach that involves exercise and stretches. Talk to a certified physiotherapist to know which exercises will be best and safe for you.

Mind-body therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy and biofeedback may help with the physiological responses that may be causing the symptoms.

Radiofrequency ablation: This technology employs radio waves to heat the tip of the needle. Then, the doctor inserts the needle into the affected nerve. The heat of the needle numbs the nerve and disrupts its ability to send pain signals to the brain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): In this procedure, the doctor attaches the small electrodes to your skin and sends small electrical signals to stimulate the nerve in the affected area.

Neuromodulation: This procedure involves attaching electrodes to the back of the head or neck. These electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. It helps in stimulating the occipital nerves, a group of nerves that extend from the upper neck to the back of the head and into the scalp.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM): This technique involves identifying the problems with the tissues of the affected area in the cervical region. This is done by handheld instruments. Once the problem or restriction is identified, the doctor strives to correct it with the help of the instruments.

Surgery: Rarely, cervicogenic headaches may require surgical interventions.