A cervicogenic headache is a form of headache that can start in the neck or shoulder but the person suffering from it feels the pain in the head. This makes them different from a normal headache as the issue with them isn’t in the head but is actually in the cervical spine, hence the name.
They are normally felt on one side of the head and can often be accompanied by pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder and even the arm, and it can affect mobility of the neck, the upper back and the shoulders too. The pain is steady and around the ear, behind the eyes and along the side of the head. This can make them very debilitating and difficult to cope with, especially if they are something that you suffer from on a regular basis.
There are a range of ways that you may want to treat a cervicogenic headache – these include…
Acupuncture – Going to a professional acupuncturist like this acupuncture Gloucester based specialist //www.purelandsacu.co.uk/acupuncture-gloucester/ can help to relive the pain as they will target specific areas of the neck and the muscles which are causing the problem.
Physiotherapy – Physiotherapy helps to improve posture, which is a common cause of these types of headaches, and also can strengthen the muscles in the neck to relieve tension on the muscles and joints.
Chiropractic Help – A chiropractor can help by realigning the spine so that it is in a better position, which works well to help you improve your posture and reduce the risk of these types of headaches.
Exercises that support the neck and back
Because cervicogenic headaches start in the spine, keeping the back and neck strong and flexible is part of managing them. The right exercises depend on how much pain you are in, so start with what suits your current level and build up gradually.
Core strengthening combined with low impact aerobic exercise can help the back recover after an injury, and light weight training can be added later to tone the back muscles. Alternating between core work and other strengthening exercises gives a balanced programme, and stretching helps improve flexibility.
Always warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards, and stretch after every session. Stretching lets the back muscles lengthen and relax, which helps keep the spine healthy and can ease pain. If you are unsure which exercises are safe for you, a chiropractor or physiotherapist can suggest a routine you can do at home.
Desk habits that protect the neck and back
Because cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck, how you sit at work can make a real difference. People are built to move, and long hours at a desk put strain on the spine. An ergonomic workspace helps. Keep everything you use within arm’s reach so you do not have to stretch, and set your screen level with your eyes so you are not tilting your head forward for hours.
Adjust your chair so your arms sit at about 90 degrees with your hands resting on the desk and your feet flat on the floor when you sit upright. The chair itself should be adjustable, support the curve of your lower back, swivel easily and be made of a comfortable material.
Good posture is only part of the answer. Take short, regular breaks to move around, and use simple stretches at your desk to ease tension in the neck, shoulders and back before it builds up.
Signs that physiotherapy could help
Because a cervicogenic headache starts in the neck, physiotherapy is often part of the answer, and it is not only for athletes. It helps anyone with a wide range of muscle and joint problems, and it is a non-invasive approach to pain.
Constant pain is the clearest sign to seek help. If pain in your back, neck or shoulders is affecting daily life, get it looked at sooner rather than later, before it gets worse.
Pain while sitting is another. It is especially frustrating if your job keeps you at a desk for long periods. A physiotherapist can help correct your posture so you sit in a way that supports your spine, and can teach stretches to do at your desk that ease pain quickly. Physiotherapy also helps with other common problems, such as weakened core and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy, where targeted exercises build strength over time.