The problem
- Headaches generated from the top of the neck are common.
- These may be caused by painful trigger points in muscles or as a result of neural sensitisation resulting from poor upper cervical (neck) mechanics.
- Both of these mechanisms can then refer pain into the head and face.
- Poor sitting and standing posture is usually a large contributing factor.
Interesting facts
- There are over 300 different types of headaches described in the literature.
- Headaches tend to be grouped by the symptoms experienced by the sufferer rather than by the underlying cause.
- Recent evidence suggests a much larger involvement of the cervical spine in the development of a number of headache types, much more than previously thought.
What you can expect and to look out for
- Different levels of the cervical spine refer to different areas of the head
- Upper levels tend to refer to the forehead and temple areas of the skull
- The middle levels cause pain at the base of the skull
- Tightness in the muscles at the base of the skull is commonly associated with headaches caused by the neck
- Intense migraine like headaches can also make people feel dizzy and in extreme cases even nauseous (consult GP to be safe)
Management Options
- Physiotherapy to restore normal mechanics using stretching, massage, acupuncture, trigger point release and joint mobilization techniques has been show to be very effective in treating these headaches.
- Heat, self massage and stretching to the top of the neck will usually help.
- Anti-inflammatory medication can be quite effective in settling symptoms (consult your GP).
- Maintaining good sitting and standing posture is very important.
- Pilates and exercises to strengthen postural muscles can be helpful in preventing re-occurrence of symptoms.
Things to look out for
You should notify your GP if you experience;
- Sudden onset of severe headaches.
- Headaches associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Headache associated with decreased level of alertness.
- Headache as a result of trauma.
- Headache associated with sudden unexplained weight loss.
At Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions our highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in the assessment, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal injuries.
Contact us today – 9252 5770
This handout was prepared by Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions and is intended as a general information service. Please note that the information provided is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or healthcare professional. If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.
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