A cervicogenic headache is a type of referred pain caused by a problem in the neck. A variety of factors may contribute to the problem. The neck may have been damaged through trauma or injury, such as a whiplash from an accident. There may be damage to soft tissues including muscles and ligaments. The neck damage may be due to degeneration in the cervical spine, such as a disc problem or osteoarthritis in the facet joints. The pain may also be the result of a nerve impingement in the neck. Typically, cervicogenic headaches affect one side of the head and worsen with neck movement.
What can aggravate cervicogenic headaches?
Neck strain can make these headaches worse. Poor posture is a contributing factor. Working at a desk or at a computer for long periods can lead to slouching, stiffening the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Sleep position may contribute to cervicogenic headaches. Sleeping on the stomach tends to make things worse, as it forces the spine out of its natural alignment. The best sleeping position is on the side with the head supported so that the neck is level with the spine. An alternative position is on the back with a small pillow or rolled towel supporting the neck.
Can weather affect cervicogenic headaches?
Changes in temperature and barometric pressure may affect cervicogenic headaches. Cold temperatures and changes in humidity can contribute to muscle tension in the neck. These weather changes can also affect arthritis, causing increased pressure and pain in the facet joints. Changes in barometric pressure can act as a trigger for some people with cervicogenic headaches.
Treating Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches can be debilitating and negatively affect a patient’s quality of life. Medications to relieve pain and inflammation are helpful. Muscle relaxers and migraine medications may help some people. Steroid injections are prescribed for some patients.
Physical therapy may be recommended. Therapeutic exercises to increase strength and improve flexibility and range of motion are often helpful. Spinal manipulation may be recommended. Dry needling into specific trigger points can release muscle tension and relieve pain.
Occasionally, surgery may be necessary to relieve nerve or disc compression and stabilize the cervical spine.
Board Certified Neurosurgeons at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
The Board Certified neurosurgeons at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care offer patients access to some of the world’s most advanced treatments and procedures. There are five convenient metro Atlanta locations to meet the needs of our patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist.
