Headaches can be notoriously difficult to explain, but sometimes there’s a clear link with a problem in the neck. These are called “cervicogenic headaches”, a term literally meaning that they are generated in the neck. The root cause may be muscular, or related to a joint, disc, or ligament. In any case, Beverley may be able to help.
Features of Cervicogenic Headaches
The first thing your Osteopath Beverley will need to do, is to work out whether or not your headaches are related to your neck. These kind of headaches tend to start at the back of the head and move over the scalp, possibly settling over the ear or eye. However, unlike migraines they will not cause visual disturbances, and are unlikely to cause nausea.
The headache can be episodic, but most cases will feature headaches that last around 24 hours or fewer. Chronic cervicogenic headaches continue for much longer without respite, but these are rare.
Understanding the underlying problem with the neck itself is important, as managing or resolving this is the key to improving the headache.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made in clinic, without imaging or further investigations in most cases. If there is a known problem in the neck, then development (or improvement) of the headache in line with the progression of the neck problem could be enough to make a diagnosis. Similarly, provocative movements of the neck can make the headache worse.
Management Strategies
Ultimately, the treatment plan that Beverley develops for you will be dependent on the root cause of your headache. Often there is a pattern of areas that work too hard or not enough throughout the body. So it may be the case that to resolve your headache, she will need to solve a problem in the back. The upper back can become stiff without you realising, especially if you are stuck in one position all day. This stiffness causes other areas, such as the neck, shoulders, or lower back, to overwork, which can lead to Cervicogenic headaches.
Sometimes the cause is simple muscular tension, and gentle work to release this can ease the headache symptoms. We may give you exercises to support your progress between appointments. They may also act as a first aid solution when your headaches come on. A cool or warm compress for the neck may also help; the temperature most appropriate for you will depend on the factors at play.
If the problem involves joint stiffness, such as a “cricked neck”, it may be appropriate to manipulate the joint if you are happy for Beverley to do so. In the right cases, this can give relief quickly, and if the case is simple enough, it may be sufficient to resolve the headache and its root cause. Work to other muscles and joints might be a good approach to prevent any secondary problems from developing.
In any case, as your osteopath, Beverley will take a detailed history and examine your neck well to develop a diagnosis. You can expect your treatment and management plans to be completely personalised to you for the best results.
Click here to make an appointment for your headaches with Beverley Palmer.