Headaches are a very common problem that can have multiple
causes ranging from
stress to trauma. To
make matters worse, there are MANY different types of
headaches. One such type is the “cervicogenic headache”
(others include
migraines, cluster headaches, etc.).
The main distinction between the symptoms associated with
cervicogenic headaches
and those associated with migraine headaches are a lack of
nausea, vomiting,
aura (pre-headache warning that a headache is about to
strike), light and noise
sensitivity, increased tearing with red eyes, one sided
head, neck, shoulder
and/or arm pain, and dizziness. The items listed above are
primarily found in
migraine headache sufferers. The following is a list of clinical
characteristics common in those struggling with cervicogenic
headaches:
Unilateral (one-sided) head or face pain (rarely is it on both sides).
Pain is localized or
stays in one spot, usually the back of the head, frontal,
temporal (side) or
orbital (eye) regions.
Moderate to severe
pain intensity.
Intermittent attacks
of pain that last hours to days.
Pain is usually
deep, non-throbbing, unless migraines occur at the same time.
Head pain is
triggered by neck movement, sustained awkward head postures,
applying deep
pressure to the base of the skull or upper neck region, and/or
taking a deep
breath, cough or sneeze can trigger head pain.
Limited neck motion
with stiffness.
Infrequently, the cervicogenic headache sufferer can present
with migraines at
the same time and have both presentations making it more
challenging to
diagnose.
The cause of cervicogenic headaches can be obvious such as
trauma (sports
injury, whiplash, slip and fall), or not so obvious, like
posture. A forward
head posture can increase the relative weight applied to the
back of the neck
and upper back as much as 2x-4x normal. Last month, we
discussed the intimate
relationship between the upper 2 cervical vertebra (C1 &
C2) and an anatomical
connection to the covering of the spinal cord (the dura) as
giving rise to
cervicogenic headaches. In summary, the upper 3 nerves
innervate the head and
any pressure on those upper 3 nerves can result in a
cervicogenic headache. As
chiropractors, we are trained to examine, identify, and
treat these types of
potentially debilitating headaches.
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your
healthcare services.
If you, a friend or family member requires care for
headaches, we sincerely
appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our
services and look
forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the
future. Visit
www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.
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