About neck headache
It is uncertain how many people suffer from neck headache, but it is probably a larger share of women than men. Patients who have been diagnosed with migraine and do not respond to medication should be examined for neck headache.
- Headache located on one side that does not change sides
- Most often located at the back of the head, but can radiate forward over the temple or to the eye
- The main complaint is headache, and to a lesser extent neck pain
- The headache can be provoked/made worse by pressure on structures in the neck, or by neck movements
- A few may experience symptoms similar to migraine, for example nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
A thorough history and clinical examination are important when you come to us at Behandlerverket. The examination is important to find out which structures are causing the headache and whether there are movements that make it worse. There is good documentation that manipulation can be an effective treatment for cervicogenic headache. There are no imaging findings that support the diagnosis of cervicogenic headache. For that reason, MRI, X-ray or other imaging is seldom necessary.
The treatment plan you receive from us aims to reduce pain and normalise mobility as quickly as possible, so that you can return to the activities you usually want to do, and preferably a little stronger and more active than before. It will probably include treatment in the form of manipulation, and/or joint mobilisation to normalise mobility in the neck. In addition, exercises and training are important for future prevention of cervicogenic headache. Our concept is based on easy access to treatment and exercise, and we know that physical activity is always good.