Cervicogenic Headaches: Symptoms & Treatment

There are many different causes for headaches. One type of headache, cervicogenic headaches, are often misdiagnosed and occur more often than you think. By definition, this type of headache originates from the neck and is common in people who work behind a desk, those who are stressed and people who frequently work overhead.

Symptoms can include:

• Pain on one side of your head, neck, or face 

• Pain that is localized to one part of the neck, head, face

 • Pain with neck movements

 • Stiff neck 

• Jaw pain

 • Eye pain

 • Blurred vision

 • Dizziness, nausea, vomiting

• Sensitivity to lights, sounds

As you can see, many of the symptoms with a cervicogenic headache can be considered more serious in nature. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult with your physician first as they will screen you for more serious conditions.

Treatments for cervicogenic headaches are often conservative and will include physical therapy. A therapist will assess your ROM, strength, and positions of your body while working. Many times, restoring your neck mobility will resolve a majority of your symptoms.

Other treatments will include:

 • Strengthening your cervical muscles

 • Strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder blade(s)

• Trigger point therapy

• Overhead strengthening

• Ergonomic training 

• Body mechanics and positioning

If you are someone who has headaches, ask your physician about physical therapy. Let us help you with your symptoms!