Do you suffer from headaches? It may be caused by neck pain.
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache, meaning they originate from another source, specifically the cervical spine (the neck) and its structures. Unlike primary headaches like migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches are caused by disorders or dysfunctions in the neck region, stemming from the vertebrae, discs, muscles or nerves.
The most common reasons for these headaches include bad posture, particularly in desk-bound workers or those who spend long periods sitting down or looking at devices, which strains the neck muscles and joints. Other causes include whiplash, cervical spine degeneration due to ageing and arthritis.
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches aims to address the underlying condition in your neck. This generally includes physiotherapy to improve posture and strengthen neck muscles, hands-on manual therapy and, if required, medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.
In some cases, nerve blocks or steroid injections may be necessary to relieve pain. Addressing the underlying cause of the headaches is highly recommended as it can prevent flare ups.
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