EXERCISE AS A TREATMENT OPTION FOR CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES
Head pain that is referred from bony structures or soft tissues of the neck is commonly referred to as a “cervicogenic headache”. It is often the sequel of head or neck injuries but may also occur in the absence of trauma.
Patients with cervicogenic headaches may present with poor head and neck postures or limited cervical range of motion. Head pain may be reproduced or triggered by active neck movements. Passive neck positions, especially in extension and extension with rotation, may reproduce head pain. Pressure or compression of a facet joint may also reproduce the headache. Trigger points may be found in suboccipital and shoulder muscles. Neurological findings of cervical radiculopathy are not a characteristic of cervicogenic headaches.
A 2010 randomized control study shows that specific neck exercises reduce cervicogenic headaches.
180 female office workers with chronic non- specific neck pain and cervical headaches were randomly assigned to 3 groups:
- Group 1: Strength Training – prescribed isometric, dynamic and stretching exercises.
- Group 2: Endurance Training – prescribed dynamic muscle and stretching neck exercises.
- Group 3: Control – prescribed neck stretching exercises only.
After 1 year:
- Group 1: Strength Training -Headaches decreased by 69%
- Group 2: Endurance Training - Headaches decreased by 58%
- Group 3: Control Headaches decreased by 37%
The authors concluded that after 1 year of exercising the combination of muscle endurance or strength training was significantly more effective to reduce headaches than stretching alone.
Reference:
Ylinen J. Nikander R. Nykaned M. Kautiained H. Hakkinen A. Effect of neck exercises on cervicogenic headaches: a randomized control trial. J Rahabil Med. 2012 Apr;42(4):344-9.
Biondi, D. Cervicogenic Headache: A review of diagnostic and treatment strategies. J Am Ostoepath Assoc. 2005 Apr 104(4):165-225.