Contents

• Cervicogenic or chronic tension headache
• Cervicogenic Vertigo
• Screening and diagnosis
• Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Physical Therapy
• Massage
• Seek prompt attention
• Prevention

Cervicogenic or chronic tension headache is the most common headache, originating in the upper neck due to mechanical dysfunction and chronic hypomobility or fixation of the occipital area and cervical joints irritating the nerves ( C1-C3 ), ligaments and muscles.

Cervical spondylosis, arthrosis, trigger points in the cervical and shoulder muscles and poor posture and neck position during work or sleep can be causative.

Pain starts in the occipital region at the base of the skull and spreads around to the forehead, temple and eye. Intensity fluctuates from mild or moderate to severe and can occur daily and be worsened by head and neck movement.

Cervicogenic Vertigo

Not all cases of dizziness or vertigo originate in the balance mechanisms of the inner ear or are due to vertebrobasilar arterial pathology. Nerve receptors in the cervical spine joints and supporting muscles are also important in the maintenance of balance.

Patients experiencing cervicogenic vertigo may feel positional unsteadiness or giddiness with a feeling that the ground is moving, postural instability on turning the head and imbalance that is markedly enhanced by sudden head movements such as neck extension with upward or downward gaze or on rising from the lying position.

Neck pain may be present with muscle tenderness, stiffness, and guarding of the cervical region and may precede the sensations of imbalance by days to months and is commonly located in the occipital region occasionally with radiations to the jaw ( temporomandibular region ).

At Sayer Clinics a thorough examination is performed to find the origin of the pain, reach an accurate diagnosis, enable effective treatment and offer intelligent advice.

Screening and diagnosis
We take a full case-history of your symptoms, perform physical, orthopaedic and neurological examinations and check for signs of illness or infection. You may need blood or urine tests to identify any underlying medical conditions. Digital computerised X-rays at Sayer Clinics or referral for an MRI – magnetic resonance imaging may be recommended.

Chiropractic, Acupuncture or Physical Therapy treatment of cervicogenic headaches with careful and specific manual mobilisation or manipulation to help regain normal spinal flexibility, function and posture. Acupuncture can promote the release of natural painkillers (endorphins) in the central nervous system.

Massage aims to reduce stress, relieve muscular tension and promote relaxation and can be helpful for tight, tender muscles at the back of the head, neck and shoulders.

Seek prompt attention for headache that is sudden and severe, accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or follows a head injury

Prevention

• Avoid headache triggers such as: Physical, postural and emotional stress.
• Lack of sleep.
• Missed meals.
• Avoid foods or alcohol which seems to trigger headaches.
• Exercise regularly : Walking, swimming or cycling.
• Reduce stress : Organise, Simplify, Think and Act positively.
• Stop smoking : Smoking can trigger headaches or make them worse (particularly sinus headaches).

Call Ines or Maggie on 020 7937 8978 to make an appointment from 8am to 8pm -we’re here to help you.