Cervicogenic headaches, caused by neck issues, result in pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the head, often worsening with neck movement or poor posture. Chiropractic care can help manage these headaches by using spinal adjustments and muscle techniques to relieve tension and improve neck function. This drug-free treatment may reduce reliance on medication and prevent future headaches. Always consult a qualified professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
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Cervicogenic headaches, or headaches caused by neck issues, are common in the UK. These headaches start with pain or stiffness in the neck and spread to the back, sides of the head, or behind the eyes. They can be mild or severe, often triggered by neck movement or sitting for long periods. For some, these headaches become chronic and affect daily activities like working, driving, or sleeping.
Chiropractic care can be an effective way to treat cervicogenic headaches. By adjusting the spine and reducing tension in the neck, chiropractors help relieve the root cause of the pain. This treatment can reduce the need for pain medication and improve quality of life. Financially, cervicogenic headaches can lead to missed workdays and NHS costs for treatments, adding to the burden on individuals and society.
Cervicogenic headaches, or headaches caused by problems in the neck, usually start with pain or stiffness in the neck and spread to the head. The pain often starts at the base of the skull and moves to the back or side of the head, sometimes even reaching the forehead or behind the eyes. The pain is usually steady and can feel dull or achy. Movements like turning your head or sitting in the same position for too long, such as at a desk, can make the headache worse. Neck pain or stiffness is often present alongside the headache.
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck. These headaches often happen when the joints, muscles, or nerves in the neck are irritated or strained. Poor posture, especially from sitting for long periods or hunching over a desk or phone, can put extra pressure on the neck and lead to these headaches. Injuries like whiplash, or conditions like arthritis, can also trigger cervicogenic headaches. The pain usually starts in the neck and can spread to the back of the head, forehead, or even behind the eyes. Movements of the neck often make the headache worse.
If you’re experiencing cervicogenic headache-like symptoms, it’s important to see a qualified and statutorily registered health professional, such as a chiropractor, for an accurate diagnosis. While these headaches are often caused by neck issues like spinal dysfunction (subluxations) muscle strain or poor posture, similar symptoms can sometimes signal more serious problems, such as a neck injury, nerve compression, or even a tumour. A chiropractor is trained to assess your symptoms, rule out these serious causes, and provide the appropriate treatment. This ensures you receive safe, effective care, and if necessary, they can refer you to a specialist for further medical investigation.
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches, which are caused by problems in the neck. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, like spinal adjustments, to improvement the movement and function the neck as well as soft tissue and stretching techniques on the muscles and ligaments when indicated. These adjustments help relieve tension and improve movement in the neck, often helping with the headaches that stem from it.
For a gentler approach, chiropractors can also use mobilization techniques, which involve slow, gentle movements to ease stiffness and pain in the neck without the “cracking” sound.
In addition to these techniques, chiropractors often recommend rehabilitative exercises to strengthen neck muscles and improve posture. These exercises help reduce tension and prevent future headaches by supporting better neck health. This combination of treatments offers a natural way to manage and reduce cervicogenic headaches.
