Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are defined as headaches that originate from the spine and soft tissue structures around the neck. These headaches are often confused with migraines, tension headaches, sinus pressure, or other generic headache symptoms. Cervicogenic headaches are thought to originate from the upper cervical spine and the soft tissue structures that the nerves from this area innervate. These headaches typically onset after the development of tight musculature and stiff joint segments due to prolonged positions involving poor posture or prior injury to the area. Cervicogenic headaches are often chronic, recurrent, and effect one side more prominently (though patients can have symptoms on both sides). Soft tissue structures such as the upper traps, the SCM, the suboccipitals muscles, and the cervical spine segments that refer into the head and facial region are responsible for cervicogenic headaches. Physical therapy can be utilized to improve spinal mobility in the neck and release tight soft tissue structures that are responsible for the development of headaches. Physical therapy for cervicogenic headaches tends to produce excellent results in physical therapy. Shown below are different treatment techniques we use for treating cervicogenic headaches in our clinic. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.