What is a headache?
A headache is a form of pain or discomfort experienced in any region of the head. Today we will be exploring two common types of headache; cervicogenic headaches and tension headaches.
What causes headaches?
There are a vast array of factors that can lead to the onset of a headache ranging from tension within the muscles at the base of your skull, to a fluctuation in hormones, changes in medication, and alterations to the nerves and blood vessels within the brain. Given the complexities of differentiating between causes, headaches are typically classified by taking their location/s, nature or quality, frequency, and duration into account. It is important to have a practitioner assess and diagnose the type of headache you are experiencing.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
One of the most common types of headaches seen in our practice are known as cervicogenic headaches. A cervicogenic is the result of a dysfunction present in any of the structures (such as muscles, joints, ligaments etc.) surrounding the first three vertebral segments in the neck. The headache is typically non-throbbing in nature, and can be felt in a unilateral ‘ramhorn’ distribution that extends from the base of the skull to the front of the head. It may also be experienced simply at the base of the skull to the back of the head, or even diffusely just behind the eye. Pain or discomfort through the upper neck may accompany this form of headache.
What is a tension headache?
Cervicogenic headaches slightly differ from what are known as tension headaches. Tension headaches are generally the result of prolonged contraction of the muscles in the front and side of the head, and are typically felt in a horizontal band distribution across the forehead. Tension headaches are generally dull, aching, and bilateral in nature. Patients often describe a tension headache as though there is a vise-grip or clamping sensation around their skull.
How to treat headaches?
Osteopathic treatment and management may be able to assist in providing relief for both tension and cervicogenic headaches. Techniques include, massage to the neck and upper back regions, trigger point release, joint manipulation, and muscle energy technique. Your osteopath may be able to help with getting to the root cause and alleviating your headache pain.
Book in with one of our friendly practitioners for a thorough assessment, treatment and advice to help get you back on track!
Author: Dr Anjelica D’Alessandri