Cervicogenic headache is a condition that results from a problem in the spine. According to experts, the causes of the condition vary from the injury and illness that a person has including arthritis or cervical sprain. Cervicogenic headache is an incapacitating type of headache.
The most common cervicogenic symptom is a non-throbbing, steady pain the starts from the back and base of the skull, extending down to the neck. Sometimes, pain can extend further between the shoulder blades and behind the forehead and the brows. Because of its location, the pain is commonly felt in the head, even if the problem originates from the spine. Also, the pain may be triggered by a sudden neck movement.
While pain in the neck and head are the most common symptoms of cervicogenic headache, patients may also develop other symptoms. Cervicogeninc headache secondary symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, blurred vision, sound sensitive, and pain in one or both arms. People suffering from the condition may also have a neck that is very stiff that hinders normal movement.
Also, cervicogenic headache is different from migrant headache. The condition has onset during the middle and becomes worse when an individual gets older. Compared to cluster headaches or tension, cervicogeninc headache rarely cross the midline and often one sided. On top of all, the condition tends to get worse with certain neck movements or postures.
In people working in front of the computer, the pain may start if their computer screen is set in high position. You are forced to look up for a longer period of time. While you are looking up, your cervical posture is extended leading to headaches that originate from your cervical spine. Cervical movements and postures that trigger pain in the head are the primary diagnostics clue in identifying the condition.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to making the condition happen more frequently or severe. Fatigue, disc problems, problems sleeping, stress on the muscles and poor posture, and current or prior injuries may provoke cervicogenic headache.
Upon consulting your doctor, he/she will run diagnostics tests to determine the cause of the headaches. Initial treatments for the condition are drugs prescribed by your doctor to alleviate the symptoms. These medical drugs may include antidepressants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti-seizure medications. As of the moment, there is no diagnostics specifically developed to classify cervicogenic headache, so cervical problems may take time to be treated.
Cervicogenic treatments include chiropractic treatments, X-rays, periodic acupuncture treatments, and physiotherapy treatments. Other treatments for spinal causing problems include epidural spinal block injections and nerve block injections. Patients are also encouraged to take frequent exercise and avoid movements that may put stress in the spine and provide cervicogeninc headache.
Patients are usually given with a warning feeling that cervicogenic headache is coming, and taking painkillers is the best approach you can do to prevent the headache or reduce its intensity. Cervicogenic headache may start from mild to severe, and you need to seek for professional help as it may stop you from doing your daily activities.
