A cervicogenic headache is defined by neck pain that radiates to the brain. It is a kind of headache brought on by another disease, such as an infection or a neck injury.
Cervicogenic headaches are often confused for tension and migraine headaches, both of which can result in neck pain. This makes them distinct from main headaches like migraine and cluster headaches.
If you experience this problem, you should seek advice from a medical professional at a reputable Neuro Hospital in Ludhiana to manage the situation more effectively.
We go through just a few cervicogenic headache symptoms, causes, and treatments in this article.
Symptoms
One indication of CH is pain that occurs when your neck moves suddenly. Another is that having your neck in the same posture for an extended time might cause head pain.
Other indications could be:
- One side of your head or face may be in pain.
- steady yet non-throbbing ache
- When you breathe deeply or cough, your head may hurt.
- a pain attack that may last for several hours or days
- You cannot move your neck normally if it is stiff.
- Pain that is confined to one area, such as the side, back, or front of your head or an eye
Despite the differences between CH and migraines, some symptoms may be comparable. You could, for instance:
- Feel sick to your stomach
- Tough choice
- Having shoulder or arm pain
- Feel sick or uneasy under bright light
- Feel sick or uneasy with loud noise
- Have blurry vision
- Some people feel both CH and a migraine simultaneously. It can be challenging to see the truth in this situation.
Causes
Cervicogenic headaches can be brought on by a variety of factors, and sometimes it’s impossible to identify the exact cause.
CH can occur from long-term issues with your neck’s vertebral column, joints, or neck muscles. For instance, the way some people hold their heads while working, such as hair stylists, carpenters, and truck drivers, might cause CH.
People who raise their heads out in front of their bodies occasionally get CH. “Forward head motion” is what that is, and it strains your neck and upper back.
It can also come from a sports injury, whiplash, arthritis, or a tumble. Alternatively, your neck’s nerves could be compressed (squeezed).
Cervicogenic headaches can also occur from a tumor or a fracture (minor break) in your neck or upper spine.
Treatment
There are different methods to reduce or alleviate the pain that comes with cervicogenic headaches:
Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and other pain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may help to reduce the pain.
Nerve block: This may provide short-term pain relief and improve your ability to benefit from physical therapy.
Physical therapy: Stretching and exercise are helpful in physical therapy. Consult a Neurologist in Ludhiana to decide the best and safest form of exercise for you.
Spinal manipulation: This combines joint movement, physical treatment, and massage. Only a physical therapist, a chiropractor, or an osteopath should perform it (a doctor who has special training in the way your nerves, bones, and muscles work together).
Other options: Acupuncture and relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga are
examples of non-surgical treatments to manage the discomfort.
Surgery: Despite the rarity, if your CH discomfort is extreme, the Best neurosurgeon in Ludhiana can suggest a treatment to avoid pinching your nerves.
