A cervicogenic headache is a headache attributed to a problem in the structures of the neck.
For osteopaths, knowledge of the neck is fundamental – as it is the harbourer of crucial blood vessels for the brain, the supporter of the cranium, and the home-place for the nerves of the upper extremity (and all those that pass below it).
Cervicogenic headaches (CH) are often one-sided, travel from the back of the head forwards, and occur alongside stiffness or reduced neck movements.
They may or may not be directly reproduced by movement of the neck.
CH are examples of secondary headaches – meaning they are the consequence of tension in the neck that essentially refers to the head (in the same way that shoulder pain can sometimes be felt down the arm).
Often they are likely to be linked with poor upper back/neck posture, previous trauma (e.g. whiplash injury), or myofascial tension in the soft-tissues around the base of the skull.
Once serious and non-musculoskeletal causes have been considered, osteopathic treatment can help reduce the tension felt around the muscles of the neck and base of skull. This can improve the movement of the neck and – in turn – reduce the occurrence, frequency, duration and severity of the headaches.
Management may also include activity advice, desk set-up alteration, and tailored neck and shoulder-girdle exercises.
The sudden onset of an extremely severe headache, felt across the back of the head, especially when coupled with nausea, vomiting, dizziness and/or visual changes, requires immediate medical investigation, and should be treated as a medical emergency.
When to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E for a sudden, extremely painful headache; weakness or numbness; difficulty speaking or walking; confusion; a seizure; loss of vision; or headache with a very high temperature, stiff neck or non-fading rash.
