Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches

Cerviogehnic headache is a medical condition resulting from possible injury to the nerves and upper spine of the body. This is not a common headache and occurs due to several reasons such as stress, potential harm, or an underlying medical condition. It is often felt intensely in the lower back of the head, near the neck, and the pain on the eyebrows depends on the individual and the intensity.

Cerviogenic headaches can be painful and can hamper everyday activities due to the pain. Can manage this through medical intervention and other forms of treatment. Chiropractic care and intervention have several benefits for treating the condition and can be effective.

Read on to know more about chiropractic treatment for cervicogenic headaches.

What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches

The cause of cervicogenic headache is often associated with impaired nerve functions in the back of the head and neck. This can result from a physical injury to the nerve or any other underlying causes. While it differs from a migraine, some symptoms may overlap.

Symptoms & Diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headaches

A cervicogenic headache is often associated with a steady pain in the neck and head region. One-sided movement of the pain from the neck to the head and the frontal lobe is a common symptom. A quick increase in the intensity of shooting pain, and chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulder region can be symptoms of cervicogenic headache.

Some common symptoms are stiffness in the neck, headache when sneezing or coughing, and pain on one side of the face. Diagnosis involves medical consultation where the doctor may perform a physical observation. They may diagnose the condition based on a few exercises and movement-related activities.

Besides this may suggest X-rays of the neck and shoulder, CT Scans, and MRI scans to understand the condition and identify any injury in the region. This will allow the practitioners to locate the condition's cause and treat it accordingly with spine care chiropractic methods.

Treat Your Cervicogenic Headaches With Chiropractic Care

It is often understood that Cerviogenic headache is caused by musculoskeletal dysfunction within the upper spinal region. This can result from pressure and injury to the nerves in the region. It can occur when the spinal cord is pressing against the nerve, there is muscle injury in the region, and external pressure restricts nerve mobility.

Treat all of this by seeking assistance from specialized cervicogenic headache chiropractors, who comprehensively understand the spinal cord and the nervous system. Based on the condition and cause, they can offer treatments such as spinal adjustments, heat therapy, and other forms of care that ensure that the condition is minimalistic and function in the nerves is restored to the extent possible.

Here are a few types of chiropractic treatment for headaches of a cervicogenic origin:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is when the chiropractors adjust the existing positions of the spine into correct positions with focused pressure on specific points in the spine. This is done when there is a misalignment of the spinal cords resulting in pressure on the nerves, reduced mobility, and pain. This helps reduce the stress on the nerves, easies movement, and can reduce the intensity of the headache.

Exercise Involving Deep Neck Flexing

These are stretching exercises that help increase mobility and strengthen the muscles. The neck flexing is done regularly, as per the need, and I combed forward, sideways, and backward movements to help increase flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and aid movement. This can also improve blood circulation as well.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is when chiropractors identify regions in the body that can reduce pain and improve movement. These regions have then applied some force to help aid better movement, reduce pain and increase overall health.

Joint Mobilization

This is a passive therapy where the joints are moved around gently to reduce the pressure on the shoulder and neck. This helps to strengthen the neck muscles. This can help reduce pain in the head and neck region.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is vital in the treatment and can include treatment such as mobility exercises, gentle stretches, and even hot and cold therapy.

This can help manage inflammation, increase blood pressure and movement in the neck and strengthen the muscles.

Massages can also help reduce tension in the neck and shoulder and are soothing to the spine. A chiropractor will use these techniques to provide the best care for the individual.

Get the Right Treatment @ Physiotattva

Cervicogenic headaches can be painful and hamper day-to-day activities. It can make tasks as simple as watching television cumbersome. It can even worsen as it progresses.

We at Physiotattva have a comprehensive treatment plan for the condition with consultation from our team of highly qualified chiropractors. Their focus on individuals' needs ensures they get the most effective treatment plan. 

They work with state-of-the-art facilities and ensure a seamless and safe environment for treatment and management of the condition. Seek help from our chiropractors, and headaches will be a thing of the past. Reach out to our team for a comfortable life!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a chiropractor relieve headaches?

First, a thorough assessment is conducted by chiropractors, and headache symptoms, their origins, and a treatment plan are all discussed. Chiropractors use a series of treatment plans such as spinal chiropractic adjustments for headaches, heat and cold therapy, joint mobilization, etc., that revolve around managing the spinal cord health and ensuring that the pressure on the nerves is reduced.

What aggravates cervicogenic headache?

Poor lifestyles such as long working hours, monotonous work, poor posture, high-intensity physical work, lack of rest, lack of nutrients, and genetic conditions can aggravate cervicogenic headaches.