The Cervicogenic Headache Explained For The Layperson
When you hear of names such as cervicogenic headache you are filled with dread thinking that the disease that has such a name must be one with terrible repercussions. Fortunately, this is not true most of the times. Some of these diseases only sound dreadful - in realty they are not.
What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
This is the name given to the headache that is caused by injury or damage of the cervical spine which is that portion which attaches the skull to the neck. This is an affliction that affects more women than men mostly because the neck muscles are weaker in women and hence making them more prone to suffer from damages in this area.
The cervicogenic headache has very clear cut symptoms which can help in diagnosis - the person who suffers from this type of headache experiences a blinding pain around the forehead just as if an elastic (rubber) band would have been put around the head constricting the blood flow. The pain usually radiates to the shoulder blades and the upper spine.
What Causes The Cervicogenic Headache?
There are many factors that could result in cervicogenic headache, most of these being mechanical, i.e. whiplash injury to the cervical region, arthritis that eats into the fluid and cartilage that hinges the skull on the spinal chord, bad posture which puts stress on this area, bad sleeping habits (too hard or too soft pillows), acute physical stress, etc. It is important to find out what causes the problem before going for treatment, as the cure would totally depend upon the elimination of the inherent problem.
The test that diagnoses this problem is known as the Occipital Nerve Block test. Once the diagnosis is reached, treatment is worked out depending upon the severity of the case which may involve physical therapy or muscle relaxation program or both. When the affliction is caused by degenerating problems such as arthritis alternative medication can also be used such as acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic manipulation, etc. in combination with the ongoing physical therapy and painkiller medication for faster healing.
The cure is slow, but steady and if continues as prescribed by the doctor you can be rid of it in about one to six months' time. Exceptional care should be taken regarding the posture adopted during this period of time as this is one factor that could sabotage the healing process badly and aggravate the situation in spite of the best treatment offered.
