Signs and Symptoms

• Pain that originates from the neck, radiating to the back of the head,forehead, behind the eyes and ears, or face

• Triggered by neck movements, and/or prolonged positioning in an awkward or uncomfortable neck posture

• Headache tends to be on one side of the head and rarely changes side

• Limited neck range and movements

• Tight and tensioned neck muscles

 

Causes of cervicogenic headaches

• Prolonged sitting in an incorrect posture

• Whiplash, car accident, concussion

 

What to expect in a physiotherapy session

• Assessment to determine the source of the headache

• Manual therapy (soft tissue release, joint mobilizations)

• Stretching exercises

• Strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder region

• Ergonomic advice

 

Tips for managing cervicogenic headaches on your own

• Rearrange your desk setup to be ergonomic friendly

• Avoid prolonged sitting, take a short break after every 1-2 hours of sitting at work

• Apply a hot pack over the neck region for 15-20 mins daily

• Stress management

• Neck stretches

 

Other treatment methods (requires a visit to the GP or Specialist)

• Simple analgesics (paracetamol, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors) 

• Other medications like Muscle relaxants, or tricyclic antidepressants

• Nerve blocks

• Trigger point injections

• Botulinum toxin (Botox)

• Surgical interventions (often only provide temporary relief with the possibility of longer intensification of pain)