Cervicogenic Headache: A comprehensive clinical guide

Cervicogenic headache is a frequently occurring type of chronic and recurrent headache that typically arises following neck movement. It manifests as one-sided pain that originates in the neck, often associated with decreased neck mobility. This condition may be mistaken for migraine, tension-type headaches, or other primary headache disorders. This activity examines the causes, symptoms, assessment, and treatment of different cervicogenic headaches, along with the contributions of the interprofessional team in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing this condition.

1.1  DEFINITION AND OVERVIEW

A cervicogenic headache refers to head pain that originates from the neck. This discomfort can stem from various issues affecting the cervical spine, such as injuries, arthritis, or herniated discs. Treatment options like physical therapy and medication are available to alleviate this type of headache, allowing individuals to avoid persistent pain.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is characterized by head pain that arises from an issue within the cervical spine (the neck). The sensation of pain is referred pain, meaning it occurs in one area of the body while originating from another source. In the case of a cervicogenic headache, the discomfort felt in the head comes from bony structures or soft tissues in the neck. This condition is classified as a secondary headache, which means it results from an underlying medical issue; for instance, it may be due to nerve compression (a pinched nerve) in the neck.