CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES The term cervicogenic means stemming from the cervical spine. The majority of headaches seen in physician’s offices are of cervicogenic origin. The upper neck is an incredible matrix of muscles, nerves, fascial tissue, blood vessels and other vital tissues. Much of the branching blood vessels that supply the scalp and brain are affected by tightness in the scalene and trapezius muscle insertions. Muscle tightness from stress and altered breathing patterns affect the function of the neck causing pain and reduced blood flow to the scalp, triggering headaches and even migraines. Furthermore, poor thoracic and forward head posture increases the abnormal pressures to the cervical spine and arteries piercing through the fascia and muscles to the scalp. Most patients with cervicogenic headaches typically experience headaches to the forehead and temples as well as neck pain towards the end of the day. This is due to the fatigue of the cervical spine and thoracic muscles associated with poor posture and function. A recent study showed that conservative treatment with manual physical therapy for the neck, resulted in diminished headaches and neck pain in the patients involved. To help your patients with headaches and neck pain, prescribe Recovery Physical Therapy today! Source: Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. Stephanie Racicki; Sarah Gerwin; Stacy DiClaudio; Samuel Reinmann; Megan DonaldsonJournal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. Volume 21 Issue 2 (May 2013), pp. 113-124
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