In my previous post, we broke down cervicogenic headache and specific diagnosis physiotherapy-wise, so I believe we know what a cervicogenic headache exactly is, and if you dont, here is the post on it [Here]
A quick video-based recap of what exactly cervicogenic headache is, diagnosis included 👇👇
video by phsiotutors
So today we would be looking at some physiotherapy-based treatments for cervicogenic headache, how can it be gotten rid of for good with manual therapy and tailored exercises, no surgery, no drugs, find out 👇👇
You see, if you're looking for a prescription for freedom from your cervicogenic headaches, physiotherapy interventions can definitely help. And no, you must know this isn't the same kind of physio you do at the gym—it's designed to get to the root of the pain and nip it in the bud.
Now you see, Physio treatment for cervicogenic headache often involves functional rehabilitation. This is essentially a set of activities that are tailored to your specific needs, all aiming to reduce your headaches and restore your normal daily functioning. The exercises may involve soft tissue massage and joint mobilization techniques, as well as postural correction, stretches and strengthening among other things alright
In addition, postural advice is also an important part of the equation; a physiotherapist can help you identify areas in which making simple corrections, such as how you sit or stand—can dramatically reduce headaches. They might also use modalities such as ultrasound or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to target myofascial trigger points that can be responsible for initiating a headache and helping to reduce muscle tension.
of course, we do understand that cervicogenic headache is no walk in the park. Yes, it's the kind of pain that makes you force yourself to stay still for hours, but luckily there are ways to combat this aching foe. One of those ways is manual therapy administered by a physio.
So what does this mean for you? Here's an overview:
Cervical Mobilization: Gentle movements on the joint/tissue to increase movement and reduce pain
Soft Tissue/Myofascial Release: Working on the wrong muscles which cause headaches
Trigger Point Therapy: Apply pressure to certain points in the muscle to help with relaxation and reduce tension
Neuromuscular Re-Education: Retrain your body so that it functions properly again
These manual therapy techniques help improve your range of motion, reduce muscle tension, restore proper biomechanics, and more—all things that can go a long way toward helping relieve those pesky cervicogenic headaches. So don't just let them keep you stuck in place, get up and get moving again.
It might seem counterintuitive, but trust me—the best way to treat a cervicogenic headache is with an appropriate program of exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist. Here are a few I've tried:
Flexion exercises
These involve base-of-neck and chest stretches, which help increase the range of motion in the neck muscles, providing more flexibility and reducing stiffness. The key is to start slowly and progressively increase the number of repetitions over time to ensure sustained progress.
Strengthening exercises
In order for muscles to function well and support the head, they need to be strong. This is where strengthening exercises come in—they can improve muscular control in the neck area so that any headaches you experience are alleviated more quickly.
Postural correction
This type of exercise ensures that your body remains properly aligned while you work or rest so that your neck muscles can remain relaxed and minimize stress on them. Physiotherapists may suggest postural corrections combined with other exercises in order to promote better posture overall and thereby reduce pressure on the neck muscles that contribute to cervicogenic headache pain.
As a physiotherapist, I know how to get you out of that nasty cervicogenic headache—but I'm also here to keep it from coming back. That's why I'll provide advice on pain management and lifestyle changes, as well as education on how to prevent the problem in the first place.
For example, if your headache is due to bad posture, I'll work with you to develop a better sitting posture—maybe look into getting a new chair that fits you better. And if your headaches are due to excessive stress or tension then I can teach you relaxation techniques or share some tips on how to manage stress more effectively.
I may also use special instruments and devices designed specifically for treating cervicogenic headaches such as manual therapy tools or ultrasound therapy devices. Plus, depending on your situation, I may include exercises into your treatment plan—reaching, stretching and strengthening exercises that help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the neck.
Physiotherapy is proven to be a great prescription for freedom from cervicogenic headaches. Treating the root cause of cervicogenic headaches with physiotherapy can provide long-term relief, and give you the freedom to live the life you deserve. So if you were hoping to use physiotherapy to get to the root of the problem, you’re in luck—you can finally be done with those pesky cervicogenic headaches!
So with this, we come to the final end to the post on cervicogenic headache but that doesn't stop us from revisiting when necessary
