Could Your Neck Be Causing Your Headaches?

By Physiotherapist Manas Moholkar

There are many causes of recurrent headaches, the three common types are tension-type headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches are related to our necks, most typically, the pain begins in the neck and then spreads into a headache.

The structures that contribute to a cervicogenic headache are damaged or strained joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves of the neck.

WHAT CAUSES CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES?

- - Poor posture
    - - Forward head posture, slouching
  - Activities that place excessive stress on neck
    - - Sustained awkward position of neck
  - Muscle imbalances
  - Previous neck trauma (whiplash)
  - Poor ergonomic set up
  - Inappropriate pillow
  - Sedentary lifestyle
  - Stress

SYMPTOMS OF A CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE?

- - Pain on one side of your head or face
  - A stiff or painful neck
  - Pain around the eyes
  - A headache with certain neck postures or movements
  - Pain while coughing or sneezing

man-with-a-cervicogenic-headache-holding-back-of-neck-in-pain

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE A CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE?

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a cervicogenic headache, you should see a physiotherapist as soon as possible.

Your physio will conduct an assessment of the head and neck to determine which treatment approach will benefit you the most.

HOW CAN A PHYSIO HELP?

After an Assessment a physio can use numerous treatment techniques to relieve your symptoms.

Manual Therapy

- - Hands on treatment used to help ease the headache, neck pain and any associated symptoms

Exercise

- - To train strength and endurance of the neck muscles
  - Promote better postural habits
  - Improve mobility and flexibility

Education and Advice

- - Ergonomic setups at work or home
  - Lifting or carrying techniques
  - Self-management strategies

A Word From Manas

“Be aware of neck postures, and try to avoid prolonged sitting and slouched postures at work or at home that can aggravate your neck pain and headache.

Regularly sit upright and tall, and stretch your shoulder and neck to relieve strain on joints and muscles.

Get up and move regularly, ATLEAST twice an hour.“

Book An Appointment

Come and have a chat with one of our physiotherapists to see if we can help improve your health. Book online or call the clinic on (03) 5232 2400.

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Could Your Neck Be Causing You Headaches?