Overview - Headaches are a common experience in adults and can negatively impact family life, social activity, and work capacity. Headache is the 3rd most common reason for seeking chiropractic care in North America.
The average age for cervicogenic headache is in the 40's. This condition affects women more often than men at a rate of 4:1. Cervicognic headache is common in patients who have experienced trauma, motor vehicle accidents, and concussion. Interestingly, weightlifters have a particularly high prevalence.
Cervicogenic headaches begin as a source of pain in the neck and are percieved in one or more areas of the head and/or face.
Symptoms - Headache pain with neck movement, reduced range of motion, focal neck tenderness, trigger points that refer pain to the head
*Symptoms may be triggered by improper posture
Cause - Neck sprains/strains, Muscular tension, Emotional stress, Awkward postures (e.g., sitting, sleeping, working, phone), neck flexor muscle weakness
Treatment options- Spinal manipulation/mobilization, Neck and shoulder exercises, Chiropractor-guided/directed postural correction of the cervical and thoracic spine in a sitting position, Aerobic exercise, Clinical massage therapy
