Headaches are a debilitating condition, nine out of ten people have suffered from a headache some time in their lives and are one of the most common medical complaints. Cervicogenic headaches arise when pain radiates from specific neck structures up to the head. The pain is usually a dull sensation to a steady ache, which can worsen. The pain can range from moderate discomfort to intense pain with reduced neck range of motion. They may be intermittent or continuous. Cervicogenic headaches are most commonly unilateral, meaning they occur on one side of the neck, head and possibly the face.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic headache.

Dull ache to severe pain: The pain pattern is usually described as a non-throbbing dull ache of mild intensity to a severe ache in the neck and head region.

Pain in multiple areas: The regions of pain range from the back of the head, temporal area and around the ear, extending along the scalp to the forehead and around the eyes.

Limited neck flexibility: The pain which starts in the neck and skull leads to neck stiffness and decreased the range of motion.

Blurred vision: Usually only in one eye the affected side.

Pain beyond the neck: Pain may be felt between the shoulder blades, shoulder and arm.

Cervicogenic headaches may occur without simultaneous neck pain. However, the neck is tender on touch. The duration and intensity of pain can vay with each occurrence of headaches.

Causes of cervicogenic headache Pain:

The bones, joints, tendons and ligaments in the upper neck region are pain sensitive. The nerves that supply these anatomical structures can radiate pain from the neck to other parts of the head, such as the eyes, temple, forehead and ears.

Trauma: Injuries to the neck and trauma to the facet joints.

From falls, whiplash and impact from sports.

Herniated Disc: This injury changes the natural biomechanics of the cervial spine. Thereby overloading and placing a higher demand on other anatomical structures. Which ultimately get irritated and cause pain.

Strenuous activity: A common mechanism of headache in labors and weight lifting sports.

Forward head carriage: A forward position of the head while performing activities, such as prolonged desk work. Can result in headaches.

Occupational hazards: Repetitive strain injury from work such as Carpenters, hairdressers, computer workers, experience headache pain, due to prolonged poor head posture.