Do you have headaches and feel tension in your neck? Although we usually associate headaches with stress, tiredness, or lack of sleep, in some cases the problem may be related to the cervical region.
It's not always easy to distinguish. That's why, before assuming the pain originates in the neck, we should look at how it appears, what other symptoms accompany it, and what situations modify it.
Headache?
Headache, also known as cephalalgia, is a very common problem that can appear occasionally or last for weeks, affect one side or both, and feel like pressure, throbbing, or discomfort that starts in one area and moves to another.
To understand what may be happening, it is important to know how it starts, how long it lasts, where it is located, and what situations cause it to increase or decrease.
Knowing this information helps us to differentiate between the different types of headaches and to decide on the most appropriate treatment.
What types of headaches are there?
There are many types of headaches, and among the most common are migraine, tension headache, and cervicogenic headache.
- Migraines typically cause intense, throbbing pain. They can be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and, in some people, visual disturbances.
- Tension headaches are most often described as a pressure or band-like sensation around the head. In some cases, bruxism or a temporomandibular dysfunction They can also contribute to the symptoms.
- Cervicogenic headache, on the other hand, originates in the cervical region.
If you want to know the rest, you can consult the international classification of headaches.
What is cervicogenic headache?
Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates in a structure in the cervical region. Although the problem begins in the neck, the person may feel discomfort in the back of the neck, temples, forehead, or even around the eyes.
This occurs through a mechanism known as referred pain. In other words, the place where the pain is felt does not necessarily coincide with the area causing it.
The first cervical vertebrae share nerve connections with certain regions of the head and face. Because these connections are shared, the brain doesn't always accurately identify which region is the source of the signal, and pain may be perceived in a different area.
This explains how a cervical problem can manifest as a headache, even without any discomfort in the neck itself.
How can you tell if a headache originates in the cervical spine?
One of the main clues is the relationship between the symptoms and neck movement. Turning or tilting the head can reproduce the discomfort, which can also appear after working on a computer, driving, or maintaining the same position for a long time.
It is often accompanied by stiffness or limited range of motion in the neck and can begin at the back of the neck and progress to the temple, forehead, or behind the eye. It frequently affects only one side, although it can also occur on both.
Why does cervicogenic headache occur?
In some people the symptoms begin after suffering an injury in the cervical region, while in others they appear gradually, without a specific starting point.
However, let's remember that sustained positions, repetitive movements, or suddenly increasing an activity for which the neck is not yet prepared are also some of the triggers for this type of headache.
These triggers are not exclusive to headaches, as we saw in the Post dedicated to cervicobrachialgia, The cervical region is also related to other areas of the body such as the arms, so reducing them is especially important beyond headaches.
Can cervicogenic headache be prevented?
We can reduce the factors that trigger these episodes
Changing position frequently, taking breaks during work, and staying active throughout the job helps. It's not about finding the perfect posture, but about avoiding spending too much time without moving.
Here's a 5-minute routine you can use as active breaks in the middle of your workday or at any time of day, although it's also a good idea to gradually improve your neck strength and mobility so that your neck can better tolerate everyday activities.
Physiotherapy for cervicogenic headache in Alcala de Henares
The first step is to assess whether the headache is actually related to the neck. To do this, we analyze the symptoms and check how they respond to movement and a cervical examination.
The treatment may combine manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. The goal is not only to relieve pain, but also to restore mobility and improve the neck's ability to reduce the occurrence of new episodes.
At Evolution, we perform a comprehensive assessment and tailor the treatment to each patient's needs. If you have recurring headaches and believe they may be related to your cervical spine, contact us either schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment, We will help you identify the problem and choose the most appropriate treatment.
