Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headaches are a common condition that presents into a chiropractic office. These headache are associated with a loss of motion in the cervical spine (neck). Symptoms are a moderate to severe headache that begins on one side of the neck and then will progress to both sides of the skull. These headaches will feel “deep”, however they no not present with a throbbing sensation.
Cervicogenic headaches can present on both sides at the base of the skull. There are 8 small muscles (4 on each side) located here that tend to become tight based on posture and hobbies. In the Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, there was an article that mention how one of the suboccipitals creates a “connective tissue bridge with the spinal dura at the level of the atlantooccipital junction” (between the skull and the 1st cervical vertebra). This can cause an increase in headaches. The tightness at the base of the skull can also compress a nerve that travels through the suboccipitals called the Greater Occipital Nerve. This can cause the headaches to travel to the top of the head or forehead.
The treatment options are very similar to tension headaches as previously discussed in a blog. With cervicogenic headaches, the rehabiliation program will be targeted towards the suboccipitals. Activating the deep neck flexors (DNF) , muscles on the front of the neck, will take pressure off the base of the skull. When we lose strength in the DNF, it can cause an over-activation of the upper trapezius and the Sternocleidomastoid muscles on the top of the shoulders. Activation of the DNF will result in reduction in neck pain and headaches. Changing ergonomics at workstations is important to reduce the tension in the upper trapezius as well. We tend to be bent forward which results in flexion dominance in the body. The key is to open up the chest, relax the neck and upper back to reduce pain and headaches.
To reduce tension on the Greater Occipital nerve, you can perform a nerve flossing exercise. Nerve flossing is important because nerves do not like to be compressed or stretched. The suboccipitals tend to compress this nerve at the base of the skull. Nerve flossing is very similar to flossing your teeth. You remove the “junk” between the teeth to reduce the chance of infection and inflammation. By creating more motion around the nerve you can reduce the intensity & frequency of these headaches. To perform the nerve flossing start by dropping your chin towards your chest and placing your hands on your collarbones, then full extend your arms, wrist and tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. Perform back and forth movement 5-7 times. You do not want to hold for longer than 1 seconds due to irritating the nerve more.
If you have more questions on your headache or how chiropractic care can benefit you, reach out to us or schedule an appointment.
Citation: Sun M-Y, Sui H-J, Eteer K, Yu S-B, Hu J-N. Utilization of MR imaging in myodural bridge complex with revelant muscles: current status and future perspectives. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2020;20(3):382-389.
