HEADACHES
All nerves from the head and upper cervical spine return to a single nucleus in the central nervous system which extends into the spinal cord in the upper neck region. As a result, the brain effectively perceives the head and upper spinal column as one and the same structure neurologically.
Cervicogenic headaches are those in which the primary contributing structural source of pain is the upper cervical spine.
Experimental stimulation of joints and muscles in the upper neck has been found to reproduce pain in the head. This is because the joints and muscles along the upper three segments of the spinal column also relay nerve impulses to the same nucleus in the spinal cord as the head.
Factors such as poor posture, fatigue, previous injury, joint degeneration and muscular stress can compound the pressure on the structures in this area and lead to the presentation of headache symptoms.
Effective treatment requires a full and comprehensive evaluation of all possible contributing factors, some of which often exist together.
Physical Therapy to address joint dysfunction, muscular tightness, weakness, predisposing postural factors and muscular trigger points can be an extremely effective treatment option for pain associated with chronic headaches of musculoskeletal origin.
