Muscle Tension Headaches
A cervicogenic headache is characterized by pain in the back of the head, the side of the head, or across the forehead. Frequently, they feel like a band or vice-like compression around the scalp. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by sustained muscle contraction in the neck and head region, as well as abnormal stiffness in the joints of the neck.
These muscle tension headaches usually do not cause the amount of incapacitating pain as do migraines, but they are far more frequent. They result in far more loss of productivity, and cause large consumption of over-the-counter as well as prescribed medications. They also result in diminished quality of life, causing patients to seek alternative treatment approaches such as chiropractic care.
The signs and symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include dull achy pain in the back of the head and traveling up and over the head to the forehead region. The quality of the pain is dull, non-pulsating and mild to severe in intensity. The pain is often described as steady and aching. Stress reduction or rest may relieve the headache. Exercise to reduce stress is helpful prophylactically. The headache may last hours to several days or weeks, in severe cases. Pain may be increased with forward flexion of the head and neck, although it is not generally aggravated by physical activity.
Associated symptoms may include mild nausea, which is generally less severe than with migraine headaches. Sensitivity to sound and light may be present, but to a milder degree than migraine headaches.
A recent study showed complete relief of headaches in 75% of subjects where spinal manipulation was used. A significant increase in cervical range of motion was also reported. Another study concluded that gentle cervical spine manipulation is effective and safe for patients with muscle tension headaches.
Treatment protocols for cervicogenic headache may include deep massage of the occipital and cervical muscles, trigger point therapy and stretching of tight muscles.
Manual manipulation of the cervical and upper thoracic joints is also commonly utilized to restore normal flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Equally important are home instructions including moist ice and heat packs, stretching exercises and postural improvements.
Applying a personalized treatment program to patients with cervicogenic headache, with or without neck pain, has been shown to be very effective against this very common malady.
Chiropractic offers a safe and drug free alternative to the management of cervicogenic headaches. As no two patients are exactly alike, all treatment plans should be individualized to match the needs of the patient.
