Neck headache which is also known as a cervicogenic headache is a headache that is due to issues in the bony structures or other structures in the neck. It is also known as a secondary headache which means that the problem is caused by another illness or possible issues.
Clinical studies have also confirmed that the pain from the cervical (neck) spine can be referred to the head. A cervicogenic headache can be a perplexing and difficult problem that may be refractory (unresponsive) to treatment if it is not diagnosed.
The prevalence of a neck headache in the general population is estimated to be at 0.5% to 4% but may be as high as 20% among patients who presents with severe chronic headaches. The mean age of patients with this disorder is approximately 43 years and is found to be more common among women.
Causes of cervicogenic headache
Common causes of a cervicogenic headache include:
- poor posture
- arthritis
- trauma (due to sudden forceful movement of the head and neck such as in road traffic accidents, fall or athletic collision).
A cervicogenic headache may also be due to the joints of the neck being stiff, sore and inflamed causing the surrounding nerves to become irritated and pain is referred to the neck, shoulder, head, face and behind the eye (retro-orbital).
Continuous poor spinal posture for a long time can weaken the neck muscles causing the neck to move forward and leads to a change of the overall alignment of the spine leading to chronic neck pain if not corrected. The most common cause of a cervicogenic headache is degenerative changes in the spinal joints of the upper cervical spine.
Risk Factors of cervicogenic headache
Studies have found that specific neck positions and those with occupations such as hairdressers, carpenters, and truck drivers have been linked to a higher risk of a cervicogenic headache. As mentioned, women are also more prone to develop this disorder.
Symptoms of cervicogenic headache
Symptoms of this injury usually involves pain that radiates from the neck to the sides and front of the head. This pain can also be reproduced with certain neck movements.
Patients will also commonly have tried many other remedies such as medication and massage but the pain has always persisted (pain is relieved but comes back).
Diagnosis for cervicogenic headache
The diagnosis of a cervicogenic headache can be made through the patient’s history and examination of the patient. Diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to aid the diagnosis by ruling out other causes of pain.
The International Headache Society has a diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic headaches and it is as follows:
- Grade A: Pain referred from a source in the neck and felt in one or more regions of the head and/or face, fulfilling C and D.
- Grade B: Clinical laboratory and/or imaging evidence of a disorder or lesion within the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck known to be, or generally accepted as a valid cause of a headache.
- Grade C: Evidence that the pain can be attributed to the neck disorder or lesion based on at least one of the following:
- Evidence of clinical signs that implicate a source of pain in the neck, or
- Abolition of a headache after diagnostic blockade of a cervical structure or its nerve supply with placebo or adequate controls
- Grade D: Pain resolves within 3 months after successful treatment of the causative disorder or lesion.
Treatment for cervicogenic headache
There is no specific treatment that has been proven to be effective.Management of a cervicogenic headache comprises of a comprehensive multidisciplinary pain treatment program as it has the best chance for overall clinical improvement.
The oral medication that has been found to be effective for patients with chronic episodes include analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Physical therapy may also be a better option for long-term improvement as it most often produces the best outcome.
Patient education is also important as it will help to relieve pain and assist with patient compliance to maintain good posture. Taping techniques can also be used to assist in postural awareness and for pain relief. Strengthening exercises will also be a part of physical therapy.
The combination of physical therapy, patient education on posture and strengthening exercises has been proven to be effective in the treatment of cervicogenic headaches. Manipulation treatment has proven to be very effective, neck manipulation can aid in identifying and relieving pain temporarily.
Although the cause of a cervicogenic headache is easily understood, it is a challenging disease to many healthcare practitioners as there is still a lot of controversy regarding this topic. It may be a relatively common cause of a chronic headache but it is often misdiagnosed or unrecognised.
SOURCES
[1] Becker WJ. Cervicogenic headache: evidence that the neck is a pain generator. The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2014; 50(4):699-705.
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[3] Evers S. Comparison of cervicogenic headache with migraine. Cephalgia. 2008; 28(1):16-17.
[4] Sjaatstad O. Cervicogenic headache: comparison with migraine without aura; Vaga study. Cephalgia. 2008; 28(1):18-20.
[5] Haldeman S, Dagenais S. Cervicogenic headaches; a critical review. Spine. 2001; 1:31-46.
[6] Heath J, Goulet N. Cervicogenic headaches: a pain in the neck. Drayer Physical Therapy Institute. https://drayerpt.com/cervicogenic-headaches/ Accessed 1/21/2017.[/trx_infobox]