Headaches are common among urban dwellers. If a family doctor or specialist cannot identify the cause, there are two possibilities. Firstly, medication-induced headaches may result from overuse of painkillers and should be addressed by a specialist. Secondly, cervicogenic headaches. Research shows that 5 out of 100 headache patients might have cervicogenic headaches. These headaches can be caused by problems with the cervical spine or soft tissues, muscles, or nerves in the neck. This condition should be seen and treated by a specialist.
Q2. What is a cervicogenic headache?
We know that the nerves in the neck, particularly the upper three cervical nerves and the trigeminal nerve, are interconnected inside the brain. For some individuals, neck pain can trigger headaches. The most common causes are problems with the first three cervical vertebrae, such as neck degeneration or nerve compression. Other causes include muscle problems, such as trigger points in the neck's front or back muscles, which can also lead to headaches. The exact cause needs to be identified.
Q3. What are the common characteristics of cervicogenic headaches?
If cervicogenic headache is suspected, a doctor may conduct examination. However, patients may notice some signs themselves. For example, both neck pain and headaches may occur when the neck muscles are pressed. Some other neck movements, like turning in a specific direction or doing certain actions, may worsen the headache. These are common characteristics of cervicogenic headaches.
Q4. Who are more likely to suffer cervicogenic headaches?
Before smartphones became prevalent, those who frequently used computer or looked up at work, e.g. construction workers, were more prone to cervicogenic headaches. Nowadays many people keeps ‘phubbing’, and constant phone use does increase the risk of developing cervicogenic headaches. Studies have found that tilting the head forward at 45-degree is equivalent to putting a bag of rice on the neck. Imagine you have to carry a bag of rice hanging on your neck every single day — no doubt you will have neck degeneration, and an increased risk of cervicogenic headaches.
Some individuals with whiplash injuries from car accidents may experience long-term neck pain and headaches. Many of them seek relief through massage as it can sometimes ease neck or headache discomfort, especially when cervicogenic headaches are muscle-related. However, the relief is short-lived as long as the root problem remains unresolved. It is therefore crucial to determine if the headache originates from muscle issues or other causes.
Q5. How is cervicogenic headache treated?
Treatment of cervicogenic headaches typically adopts a multi-faceted approach. Doctors will first analyse the patient's posture, computer usage habits, and work environment. They may suggest stretching exercises and prescribe medications, or refer the patient to physiotherapy for immediate pain relief. If no significant improvement is noted afterward, injections may be considered. Why do injections help? A small amount of medication is injected into the pain site. If there is a noticeable improvement, the source of the pain can be identified. Does this mean the patient will recover after injection? Some patients may recover, even fully after injection, while others may need to continue with stretches and physiotherapy to fully resolve the pain problem.
There are also new treatments for cervicogenic headaches, such as radiofrequency therapy. It uses electrical currents to disrupt nerve signals and reduce pain. This method is highly effective, with results lasting from six months to a year for most people. Some patients even suffer no more pain after one or two sessions.
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