What is a cephalalgia?

The term cephalalgia is another word for headache. So, cephalalgia = headache.

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What are the types of headaches?

When headaches are not migraines (see the migraine section), they can be summarized into two categories:

• Tension headaches
• Cervicogenic headaches

However, distinguishing between these two types of headaches is not necessary for treatment. In both cases, the neck will influence the symptoms. Therefore, we consider them both to be cervicogenic headaches.

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What is a cervicogenic headache?

It is a headache caused by a dysfunction in the neck area, including the neck and jaw.

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How can a neck dysfunction cause a headache?

The joints (vertebrae), muscles, and nerves of the neck (or jaw) can express their pain in areas other than the neck. They can express their pain in the head. This is called referred pain.

It's the same as when a heart attack causes pain in the arm or jaw. The problem is in the heart, but the pain is felt elsewhere, such as in the arm or jaw. The principle is the same for headaches.

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What are the causes of cervicogenic headaches?

Headaches are caused by some kind of dysfunction in the neck or jaw. The pain can come from three main sources:

• The joints of the vertebrae in the neck or jaw
• The nerves of the neck, jaw, or head
• The muscles of the neck, jaw, head, and even the eyes

These structures can become painful due to various causes, such as:

• Prolonged head and neck postures
• Repetitive movements of the head and neck
• After a sudden movement of the head or neck (for example, during a stiff neck)
• Following an accident (car accident, fall, impact)
• Any recent strain in the neck area
• A jaw problem
• A problem with eye muscle coordination

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What are the symptoms of cervicogenic headaches?

The main symptoms are:

• Mild to severe headache
  
  • The pain can be on one or both sides of the head.
• The pain is increased by certain head movements or postures. For example, the pain increases:
  
  • While driving
  • While watching television
  • While reading
  • When turning your head (for example, checking your blind spot while driving)
  • When working with your head tilted down for a long time
  • When looking up or working with your head tilted back (for example, painting a ceiling)

« You may also experience neck pain or stiffness. If increased neck pain leads to increased headaches, this confirms that the headaches have a component originating from the neck.»

If the jaw is involved in the headaches, then an increase in symptoms associated with jaw use should be observed. For example:

• When eating
• When yawning
• When clenching your teeth

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How are cervicogenic headaches diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a review of your symptom history and a clinical examination. Additionally, if anti-migraine medication does not alleviate your headaches, it is highly probable that your headaches are cervicogenic, not migraines.

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When should you consult a physiotherapist for cervicogenic headaches?

You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.

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You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.

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What physiotherapy treatments are available for cervicogenic headaches?

Your physiotherapist will perform an evaluation to determine the cause of your headaches by assessing the following elements:

• The mobility of your head and neck joints
• The gliding of your nerves
• Your postural habits
• The quality of your movements
• Your strength and stability
• The coordination of your eye movements
• Jaw movements, if necessary.

Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:

• Will mobilize the joints, muscles, and nerves of your neck and/or jaw to reduce pain and improve movement.
• Give you specific exercises to do at home to address the cause of the problem and relieve pain
• Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
• Give you advice for your postural habits and movements
• Will give you tips to reduce headaches when they occur.

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What to do at home for cervicogenic headaches?

Stop doing movements or activities that increase headaches too much temporarily, and then gradually start doing them again.

Here are some other tips that may help at home:

• Apply ice (wrapped in a damp towel) to the upper neck for periods of 15-20 minutes.
• Move your neck in movements that do not hurt at all.
• Support your shoulders and shoulder blades
  
  • With a cushion under the armpits
  • With the armrests of a chair or sofa
  • By putting your hand in your pants pocket
• Limit the time spent in the same position (computer, television, reading). Get up often for a few minutes to move your neck and shoulders a little.
• Make sure your neck is well supported while sleeping at night with a pillow that fills the hollow of your neck. Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided (especially if you have stiffness or pain in the morning or during the night).

If you don't see any improvement after 10 days, you should consult a physiotherapist.

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To learn more...

You can listen to the podcast « Parle-moi de santé » created by one of our physiotherapists, Alexis Gougeon. Episode #12 addresses the topic of headaches and migraines.

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Episode #12 of Parle-moi de santé (headaches)

Find the episode on YouTube :

Click below to listen to episodes on podcast platforms: