Cervicogenic Headaches: What are they & How Osteopathy Can Offer Relief

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originate from issues in the upper cervical spine (the neck). Understanding Cervicogenic headaches and exploring Osteopathic treatments can provide effective relief and improve your quality of life.

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are characterised by pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head. The pain is often one-sided and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as reduced neck mobility, shoulder pain, or tenderness in the cervical spine.

Common Causes and Triggers

Common causes include:

- Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Misalignments, disc issues, or joint dysfunctions in the cervical spine can contribute to headache pain.

- Muscle Strain: Tension or strain in the neck muscles, often due to poor posture or repetitive movements, can trigger cervicogenic headaches.

- Injury or Trauma: Whiplash or other neck injuries can lead to cervicogenic headaches by disrupting normal cervical spine function.

- Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture, such as sitting for extended periods with improper ergonomic setup, can strain the neck and contribute to headache pain.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches

Recognising the symptoms of cervicogenic headaches is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms typically include:

- Neck Pain: Pain starting in the neck and radiating to the head, often one-sided.

- Reduced Neck Mobility: Difficulty moving the neck, with pain increasing during neck movements.

- Upper Shoulder pain: Discomfort that may lead to upper back muscle tension or upper shoulder pain.

- Tenderness: Tenderness or pain in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles.

Osteopathic Approach to Cervicogenic Headaches

Osteopathy provides a wholistic approach to managing cervicogenic headaches by addressing the root causes and alleviating symptoms. Osteopathy treatment may utilise a range of techniques including soft tissue massage, dry needling, myofascial release, manipulations and more. These techniques are used to improve spinal mobility, reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow and much more

If you experience frequent or severe headaches, dont wait for it to go away on its own. An osteopath can offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

By understanding the condition and exploring Osteopathic treatments, you can effectively manage and prevent headache pain. If you need assistance with headaches or have questions about managing your symptoms, contact us on 0405 640 786 for support.