Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, and can be triggered by many things. Some headaches are related to neck pain or problems in the cervical spine. In this article, we talk about how to relieve the pain of this type of headache.
When the origin of the headache is the cervical spine, we speak of a cervicogenic headache. These account for up to 30% of cases of chronic and recurrent headache. Sometimes, these headaches mimic the symptoms of a migraine headache. The pain may begin intermittently, then spread to one side of the head, and finally become almost continuous. In addition, discomfort may be increased by neck movement or by a particular position of the neck.
Sometimes it is easy to identify the cause of a headache, such as stress, tiredness, eye strain, or perhaps an injury. Cervicogenic headaches, on the other hand, are caused by conditions in the cervical spine, either nerve structures with insufficient space, or muscle alterations. In this kind of headache, even if you feel the pain in your head, the problem lies in your neck.
Cervicalgia is a condition that affects the cervical spine, and can spread through the neck muscles, head, or arms.
Symptoms of cervicogenic headache
In cervicogenic headache, the head pain is usually accompanied by stiffness and pain in the neck.
Cervicogenic headache presents as a steady, non-throbbing pain at the back and base of the skull, sometimes extending into the neck and down between the shoulder blades. Pain may be felt behind the brow and forehead, even though the problem originates from the cervical spine.
Other common symptoms of a cervicogenic headache are:
- Pain around the eyes
- Pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm
- Headache from certain neck movements or positions
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
Dizziness and neck pain may be closely related. Your balance is likely to be affected if you have a condition in your cervical spine that causes headaches. In this link we explain more:
Dizziness and headaches: causes and treatments
Main causes of cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches can have multiple causes. Here below, we highlight the three most common:
- Poor posture. The so-called "forward head" is one of the most harmful poor posture habits used over time. The weight of the skull places downward tension on the cervical vertebrae, causing a headache.
- Whiplash. Very common in car accidents when the neck suffers an abrupt, forceful backwards-and-forwards movement. This damages the muscles and ligaments that surround the cervical vertebrae, reducing the ability to move the neck. This type of injury is the cause of many cervicogenic headaches, and it requires physical rehabilitation to prevent more serious long-term effects.
- Worn vertebrae. Wear and tear on the cartilage that joins the vertebrae can also be one of the causes of neck pain. As this degeneration progresses, the nerves that pass through the joint are compressed, causing pain that can extend all the way to the arms.
How to relieve cervicogenic headache pain
Institute Clavel recommends trying the following methods for relieving pain if your headaches are due to any of the causes listed above.
- Hot showers. Take a 5-minute hot shower twice a day. A stream of hot water directed at your neck will help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.
- Dry heat. Apply dry heat locally for about 10-30 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Dry heat will increase blood flow, relax muscles, and have an analgesic effect. Don’t forget to apply the heat to your shoulders as well. You should not apply the heat directly to your skin, but place a small towel or cloth in between your skin and the source of the heat.
- Better posture. In a standing position, look at the angle of your back, neck, and shoulders, and try to hold them as straight as possible. This means pulling your abdomen in and pushing your shoulders slightly back. Good posture is also important when you're sitting, so make sure you are seated with adequate back support.
- Good sleeping position. If you usually sleep on your back, be sure that your pillow is a low one; if you sleep on your side, the pillow should be slightly higher to help your cervical spine maintain its natural curve. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain! In this article, Dr. Català explains more about which sleeping postures are best for your back, and which ones can be harmful.
- Neck exercises. Increasing physical activity can help reduce neck pain and decrease headaches. Choose low-impact activities that focus on calming the body, such as Taichi, Pilates or gentle stretching. A light cardio routine, such as taking a walk, can also help relieve headache pain. In addition, it will help reduce stress levels, which can play a significant role in this type of headache.
Looking at your mobile phone has become one of the gestures that we repeat most often every day, and the more often you bend your head down to check the screen, the more it harms your cervical spine. Dr. Clavel explains the effect of mobile phone use on back health.
How does your mobile phone affect your back?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, and other pain relievers may relieve pain. But if these do not relieve your cervicogenic headaches, and you don’t notice any improvement, the best thing to do is to see a physical therapist. At Instituto Clavel Rehabilitation we can design a personalized plan of manual and/or active therapy for you, with exercises guided by our professionals. You can contact us here.
Categories: Wellness, Cervical pain, Rehabilitation