Cervical spine headache or cervicogenic medical headache is a form of headache caused by problems in the cervical spine. The good news is that by eliminating the problems in the cervical spine, the headache can also be eliminated. This type of headache is therefore a secondary headache where the cause of the problem itself is not the head but the cervical spine.
Cause
The cause of cervical spine headache can be located in the upper part of the neck by a number of muscular and neurological structures. A dysfunction in this area can lead to irritation of the trigeminal nerve at the brainstem, which then sends a pain signal to the brain, which is interpreted there as a headache. In simple terms, this means that the cervical spine can cause headaches or pain in general if it is either too stiff, too mobile (due to weak muscles) or blocked.
Symptoms
Headache caused by the cervical spine can easily be confused with other types of headache. Many people misinterpret the pain as a migraine attack because the pain is in the same area. However, there are characteristic symptoms by which the headache caused by the neck can be recognized.
The most noticeable signs are tension in the neck area combined with stiffness and restricted movement. One of the main differences between migraine and cervical headache is that the latter can be relieved immediately by physiotherapy. Headache is also often associated with craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). This is a disorder in the area of the temporomandibular joint. Other indications of involvement of the cervical spine in headache are Pain appears to radiate from the back of the head to the forehead Pain worsens or improves depending on movement or posture Pain is predominantly on one side of the head only Headache improves temporarily when pressure or massage is applied to the neck Feeling of pressure behind the eyes
- The pain seems to radiate from the back of the head to the forehead
- Pain worsens or improves depending on movement or posture
- The pain is mainly on one side of the head only
- Headache improves temporarily when pressure or massage is applied to the neck.
- Feeling of pressure behind the eyes
- Dizziness and concentration problems
