What is cervicogenic headache and its care

What is cervicogenic headache?

La Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that has its origin in cervical problems, specifically in the neck region. This condition is characterized by severe pain that can manifest in the back of the head, behind the ears, and even extend to the oculofrontotemporal area. Although neck pain is the primary symptom, it can also radiate to other areas, such as the back, arms, and shoulders.

Definition and characteristics

Cervicogenic headache is defined by the association between headache and cervical structures. Unlike other types of headaches, such as migraine or tension headache, whose origin is mainly in the brain, cervicogenic headache is rooted in musculoskeletal problems in the neck. This means that the pain is not vascular or neural in origin, but is related to the cervical spine and its adjacent structures. Pain associated with cervicogenic headache may be chronic or recurrent, and is often described as a feeling of constant pressure or tension in the head. In addition, may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light or noise, general malaise and blurred vision. It is important to note that, despite its intensity, this type of headache may not be easily recognized, since its characteristics may overlap with other conditions, making it difficult to accurately diagnose it.

Causes and Prevalence

The causes of cervicogenic headache can be diverse, but they usually are related to anomalies in cervical structures, such as bone, muscle or joint injuries, trauma or progressive tissue deterioration. Una Incorrect posture maintained for long periods, whiplash or the wear and tear of the cartilage between the vertebrae are some of the most common causes of this type of headache. In terms of its prevalence, cervicogenic headache is one of the most common types of headache, especially among middle-aged women. It is estimated that up to 30% of cases of chronic and recurrent headache are caused by cervical problems. However, because of the difficulty in diagnosing this condition, its prevalence is likely to be underestimated in many cases.

Types of Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is classified into several types based on their clinical characteristics and the triggers involved. Next, we'll explore the most common types of this condition:

1. Primary cervicogenic headache: This type of cervicogenic headache occurs without an identifiable underlying cause, i.e., it is not associated with specific injuries or disorders of the cervical spine. It is usually related to chronic muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, as well as to an incorrect posture maintained for long periods of time. Primary cervicogenic headache can be triggered by everyday activities such as prolonged use of electronic devices, emotional stress, or lack of sleep.
2. Secondary cervicogenic headache: In this case, cervicogenic headache is associated with a specific injury or disorder of the cervical spine. The most common causes include traumatic injuries, such as whiplash due to car accidents, vertebral fractures, or herniated cervical discs. In addition, degenerative diseases of the cervical spine, such as osteoarthritis or cervical spondylosis, can cause secondary cervicogenic headache due to nerve compression or irritation of cervical structures.
3. Acute cervicogenic headache: This type of cervicogenic headache is characterized by a sudden onset and a limited duration, usually less than three months. It is often associated with acute traumatic injuries, such as whiplash due to car accidents or falls, and can be intensely painful. Acute cervicogenic headache requires immediate medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and establish an appropriate treatment plan.
4. Chronic cervicogenic headache: In contrast to the acute form, chronic cervicogenic headache is characterized by persistent pain that lasts more than three months. This form of cervicogenic headache can be debilitating and significantly affect the quality of life of the affected individual. The treatment of chronic cervicogenic headache often requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include medications, physical therapy, pain management techniques, and lifestyle changes.

How Chiropractic Can Help With Neck Headaches

Chiropractic is a health discipline that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially those affecting the spine. Since cervicogenic headache is closely related to cervical problems, chiropractic can play an important role in its management and treatment. Here are some ways chiropractic can help with neck headaches:

1. Cervical adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, involve the controlled application of force to specific areas of the spine to improve mobility and relieve tension in joints and muscles. In the case of cervicogenic headache, cervical adjustments can help correct the alignment of the cervical vertebrae and reduce nerve irritation that may be contributing to the headache.
2. Cervical mobilization: In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors can use cervical mobilization techniques to improve neck flexibility and range of motion. These techniques are often more gentle than adjustments and may be beneficial for people who experience neck tenderness or stiffness.
3. Exercises and stretching: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises and stretching to strengthen neck muscles and improve cervical spine stability. These activities can help reduce muscle tension and improve posture, which in turn can decrease the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headache episodes.
4. Self-Care Education: Chiropractors can provide guidance on self-care techniques for managing neck headaches at home. This may include advice on ergonomic postures, muscle relaxation exercises, applying heat or cold to the neck, and using orthopedic pillows for sleeping.

FAQs

What is the difference between cervicogenic headache and other types of headache, such as migraine or tension headache?

The main difference between cervicogenic headache and other types of headache lies in its origin. While cervicogenic headache originates from cervical problems, such as musculoskeletal injuries or abnormalities in the cervical spine, migraine and tension headache have different causes and may present different symptoms.

What can I expect during a chiropractic visit to treat cervicogenic headache?

During a chiropractic visit to treat cervicogenic headache, the chiropractor will perform a full evaluation that may include questions about symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly additional tests, such as x-rays. Based on these findings, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include cervical adjustments, mobilization techniques, and therapeutic exercises.

Is continuous follow-up with the chiropractor necessary after the neck headache has improved?

Ongoing follow-up with the chiropractor can be beneficial in maintaining long-term results and preventing the recurrence of cervicogenic headache. During follow-up visits, the chiropractor can adjust the treatment plan as needed and provide guidance on preventive measures and self-care.

Are there side effects associated with chiropractic treatment for cervicogenic headache?

In general, chiropractic treatment is safe and well tolerated by most people. However, as with any medical intervention, there are potential risks, such as mild or transient discomfort after cervical adjustments. It's important to talk to the chiropractor about any concerns or questions before starting treatment.

When should I consider chiropractic treatment for cervicogenic headache?

You should consider chiropractic treatment if you experience persistent headache that originates in the neck, especially if conventional treatment methods have not provided satisfactory relief. A chiropractor can evaluate your symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis and offer you a comprehensive treatment approach to address the underlying cause of your headache.

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