A headache has a relentless ability to ruin your day. Sometimes, we can blame our pounding head on stress, sinus problems or a migraine. But what if your headache has nothing to do with your head?
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A cervicogenic headache isn’t your typical headache, explains headache and pain specialist Emad Estemalik, MD. It’s a neck problem that translates into head pain. Doctors call it referred pain — when you feel pain in a different area of your body other than the source of the problem.
Dr. Estemalik explains what you should know about a cervicogenic headache — and warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. The cause is often a neck injury
If you’ve ever experienced a headache after whiplash, you might have had a cervicogenic headache. Other causes include:
- Arthritis in the neck.
- Neck fractures.
- Pinched nerves.
- Slipped disks.
- Strained or sprained neck muscles.
2. It doesn’t feel like other headaches
Cervicogenic headaches have some unique traits that may clue you in. “Cervicogenic headaches usually hurt on one side of the head,” Dr. Estemalik says. “They start around the base of your skull and radiate up one side.”
Your neck may also give you some hints. “A hallmark of a cervicogenic headache is a limited ability to move your neck or head,” Dr. Estemalik explains. “Your headache may get worse when you move your neck.”
3. Your office setup may be to blame
A major injury like a fall or accident isn’t the only trigger for these headaches. If your desk or office chair causes you to slouch or strain, you could get a cervicogenic headache.
“When you sit at a desk too long, you may have your neck flexed down,” Dr. Estemalik says. “You might arch your back while you’re sitting. This can bring on a cervicogenic headache.”
Look into proper ergonomics for your office if you sit at a desk. “Focus on keeping your back and neck straight while you sit,” says Dr. Estemalik. “Make sure you’re not bending forward.”
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4. A massage can help
“Some patients get relief from cervicogenic headaches after getting a massage,” Dr. Estemalik says. “A massage therapist can relieve tension in muscles that are causing the headache.”
See a professionally trained massage therapist who has experience dealing with neck pain. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
5. Get rid of your old pillow or mattress
Sleep should be a time for your body to rest and recharge. So be choosy about your sleeping equipment.
“Finding the right mattress and pillow can be key to preventing a cervicogenic headache,” Dr. Estemalik says. “Do you wake up with neck pain or a headache? That could be a clue that you need to switch your pillow or mattress.”
Find a pillow that keeps your neck in line with your back. The exact pillow type varies from person to person based on your sleeping position and body type. And follow Goldilocks’ advice about your bed: Not too hard or too soft. Replace old mattresses and pillows, since they lose their support after years of use.
6. Don’t try neck exercises without an expert’s help
If you strained your neck, it’s tempting to try and do some stretching or exercises yourself. But DIY treatment may not be helpful and could make it worse.
“The neck is very complex,” Dr. Estemalik says. “That’s why physical therapy is key to treating this type of headache. Your physical therapist can identify which muscles are involved. They can guide you through exercises to strengthen the core muscles that need it. They also help you avoid overusing certain muscles that could cause more pain.”
Without expert guidance, you could further strain your neck or work on the wrong areas.
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7. Watch for red flags
Even if you have classic symptoms of a cervicogenic headache, don’t pop some pain reliever and forget about it. See a doctor, who can rule out something more serious.
“Always take a one-sided headache seriously,” says Dr. Estemalik. Although rare, it can be a sign of a tear in one of the neck arteries. This is a common cause of stroke, especially in people under age 45.
If you notice any of these signs with a headache, seek emergency care right away:
- Sudden, severe neck pain.
- Double vision or a droopy eyelid.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Slurred speech.
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
8. Noninvasive treatment usually works
Most cervicogenic headaches get better with physical therapy and pain relievers. In some cases, a minimally invasive pain relief procedure such as a nerve block can be helpful.
You have options for relief, so don’t try to tough it out. See your doctor to find out how to get rid of the pain and get back to living your life ASAP.
