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Home » Neck Related Headache

June 15, 2018  |  By Dr Brad McIntosh In Uncategorized

Neck Related Headache

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.

Author

Dr Brad McIntosh

Although he is one of the most experienced and sought after Doctors of Physiotherapy in Australia, Brad makes all his patients feel like they are #1.

He also leads his team of caring reception staff and expert physiotherapists with the same degree of passion, which is why Sydney Physio Solutions has built the outstanding reputation it has.

Managing Director BSc (ExSci) MPT (Physio) DPT (Physio) CSCS APAM MSMA

See author's posts

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