There are a variety of different headache types, and often there is confusion about what type you are experiencing. Cervicogenic headaches are very common and often are confused with migraines. The best path to a long-term solution is to have an accurate diagnosis and treatment approach.
This article will discuss the specific classification of cervicogenic headache, how it presents symptomatically, clinically, and treatment options.
What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a type of headache that is referred from a neck problem. “Cervico” is a prefix referencing the cervical spine, or neck region of the spine. “Genic” is a term that references the “genesis” or starting point of the problem. Thus, cervico-genic headaches are a classification of headache that originate with a problem in the neck.
The pain pattern of cervicogenic headaches typically isolates one side of the neck, head, scalp, and/or face. The pain presentation is often dull, achy, and persistent with varying degrees of severity. Often patients with cervicogenic headaches notice a gradual progression over time following a neck related injury.
What causes cervicogenic headache?
Colorado Springs chiropractor Dr. John Stenberg has worked with numerous CGH patients, and has identified several causative factors:
Injury history – typically CGH patients have experienced a whiplash injury (car accident, sports injury, hard fall, etc.)
Repetitive poor posture – sitting with the head and shoulders slouching (tech neck/text neck)
Chronic muscle tension – particularly around the top of the shoulder and sides of the neck
Additional symptoms may include shoulder/upper back pain, neck stiffness, crepitus (clicking, grinding, or crunching sounds with neck movements).
What testing can be done?
At Zenith Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Dr. John Stenberg uses a multi-part assessment to identify the neck related issues that cause cervicogenic headaches.
3D Structural Imaging – evaluates the underlying condition of the spine including it’s mechanical alignment, joint health, and stress points
Augmented Reality (AR) Postural Assessment – identifies key postural distortions that contribute to chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, and upper body
Digital Range of Motion Examination – measures precise movement capacity of the neck
This information is the basis for developing a treatment plan to correct the underlying cause of cervicogenic headaches.