Common causes of cervicogenic headache include upper neck stiffness, often developed from lack of movement, sitting or standing with head protracted (chin poking out), or tightness through the neck and upper shoulder muscles. These are commonly associated with computer work or sustained work looking forward or down.
Symptoms are similar to many other forms of headache, often making it difficult for headache sufferers to determine to the headache source. Cervicogenic headache can cause pain at the base of the skull, top of the head, temples, behind the eyes, across the forehead or on the eyebrow. Symptoms can be either unilateral (one side) or bilateral (both sides). In severe cases can progress to migraine symptoms.
Your physiotherapist can help by providing a skilled assessment of the upper cervical (neck) spine to determine if the neck is relevant in their headache or migraine and whether physiotherapy treatment is appropriate.
Based off the assessment findings your physiotherapist can complete appropriate treatments, provide advice regarding any required postural corrections, and develop an exercise program to help prevent future headaches.
