Health
Cervical Headaches: Help for a Real Pain in the Neck!
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Severe headaches that happen again and again are not to be taken lightly. Experts say the key to making the pain go away is pinpointing the cause, which is not always that simple. While many headaches are stress related, they can also be linked to seasonal sinus issues, hormonal changes or problems with how well a person sleeps. Certain foods have also been known to cause headaches. Then there’s an often over-looked culprit that is quite literally “a pain in the neck.” Doctors call it a cervical headache.
With cervical headaches, the pain is typically felt on one side, but also involves the neck. Someone with a cervical headache may notice they have trouble moving their neck. Their headaches may also come on when their neck is moved in a certain way. Some patients with cervical headaches can experience shoulder or arm pain on the same side as their headache. Cervical headaches can also cause light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, but not nearly to the extent as migraines.
Coplin says, “Cervical headaches respond well to soft tissue mobilization, a process that includes targeting specific trigger points in the neck to release muscle tension. Exercises can also be added to stabilize and stretch stiff neck muscles. With these techniques, Coplin says, “We can get the components necessary for proper neck movement back into a healthy position. It’s not unusual for a cervical headache patient who undergoes soft tissue mobilization to get almost instant relief.”
How do you know you’re having cervical headaches that could respond to physical therapy?
• Do you feel tightness, tension or pain across the base of your skull, your forehead, temple area or base of your jaw?
• Do you feel pain or tightness behind or around your eyes?
• Are your symptoms made worse by remaining in the same posture for extended periods of time (especially sitting)?
• Do you sometimes feel light headedness or dizziness with your headache?
• Do you feel neck pain on the same side as the headache pain?
If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, Coplin says you should ask your doctor if you could be suffering from cervical headaches. You can also schedule an evaluation at Central Physical Therapy by calling 261-7094. Whatever we find, Coplin says physical therapists always consult with a patient’s doctor before beginning treatment.
Phil Rainier is not a doctor, nor is his column intended as medical advice. Phil is Director of Marketing and Communications at Central Physical Therapy. His e-mail is [email protected].
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