A Cervicogenic Headache is a very common form of headache that presents to the clinic for treatment. As the name suggests this headache results from dysfunction affecting the muscles/joint structures of the neck. How do we get a headache from the neck? Well the pathophysiology of how a cervicogenic headache results is due to convergence of the sensory nerves. The upper three cervical (neck) nerve roots C1-C3, converge in the same sensory region as the sensory nerves of the trigeminal nerve. The Trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation to our face, whilst it also plays a part in the motor function supplying our ability to chew.

A structure in the lower part of the brainstem known as the Trigeminocervical Nucleus (TCN) receives sensory information from both the trigeminal nerve and C1-C3 spinal nerves. When information from the neck (C1-C3) converges at this site, it can be misinterpreted if the TCN complex is sensitised previously to information. If it is sensitised this misinterpretation of information can result in neck pain and a headache. A sensitised TCN is considered to be involved in many kinds of headache presentations, like a migraine or tension headache. With this being the case, it is important that you get an assessment from your osteopath to determine the driver of your headache.

Osteopathy uses a holistic approach to understand your headache and the lifestyle factors contributing. At The Reform Lab Osteopathy we provide education and treatment to relieve your headache. We are also a one of a kind clinic that provides exercise rehabilitation inside a fully equipped gym (Project Reform), ensuring your recovery is not limited by equipment.

Manual therapy approaches in particular for the treatment of cervicogenic headaches have been shown to be beneficial. As a cervicogenic headache occurs from a dysfunction in your neck, the headache can be relieved through treatment of the neck, where we look to de-sensitise the TCN.

Characteristics of a Cervicogenic Headache

• Pain starting in the neck, where it travels and spreads to the head

• Typically occurs on one side of the head

• Symptoms in the neck and shoulder that is the same side as the headache

• Episodes of headache vary in duration, can be a continuous headache

• Moderate intensity headache

• Headache aggravated by movement of the neck or prolonged postures (lack of movement variation)

• Headache often secondary to neck injury (cervical facet sprain)

• May have reduced range of motion in the neck or shoulder