Cervical Headache

What is a cervical headache?

A cervical headache is pain caused by the bone structures and stiff muscles of the cervical spine. Moving the neck often increases the headache. Cervical headache is usually caused by long-term dysfunction of the upper neck, e.g. working at a desk for extended periods and poor posture.

 

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What are the symptoms of a cervical headache?

A cervical headache is typically one-sided and is felt as a localized pain in various areas of the head. Symptoms are usually of moderate to significant intensity, mild nausea may occur, but vomiting is usually not a part of the symptoms. Typically, there are one-sided limitations of neck movement and reflex pain in the shoulder and arm. The pain is worsened by maintaining a constant static position of the head and straining or moving the neck.

 

 

How can I treat a cervical headache?

Studies have shown that moderately strenuous endurance exercise, such as relaxed walking with arm movements and stair walking combined with joint-specific exercises to improve posture and neck posture control, work better than medication.

Exercise helps relax the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, improves blood circulation, and increases oxygen supply. With the right amount of movement and load, pain is alleviated. Endurance training has more impact on the body, increasing the production of endorphins, which help relieve pain. Talk with your physiotherapist for a personalized exercise-based treatment plan.

 

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