Overview
Headaches are extremely common in our population, especially in athletes and people who spend a lot of time on the computer or phone. Examples of athletes who may have these symptoms are football lineman who are looking up constantly, cyclists, CrossFitters and weightlifters who perform overhead motions under load, and climbers who are frequently looking up as they climb. One of the most common types of headaches is called a cervicogenic headache, which basically means that there is a headache caused by some type of dysfunction in the neck. This may also be referred to as “tech neck.” Our clinicians at MEND treat this quite frequently and are highly skilled in treating all types of headaches without the need for over-the-counter medications, injections, and unnecessary medical interventions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms that we see from a cervicogenic headache include:
- Radiating pain that often is felt on one side of the head, usually from the back side to the forehead and near the eye
- Significant neck stiffness and tightness no matter how much you try to stretch
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
Examination
At MEND, our clinicians perform a full evaluation of the neck and upper back to assess joint mobility, soft tissue structures, and clear any cardiovascular and neurological signs. The video below is one example of an assessment to test the mobility of the upper neck, called the atlanto-axial joint or AA joint.
Treatment
Current research shows that manipulative therapy and proper prescribed therapeutic exercise is effective in treating these symptoms. A systematic review of several studies that examined over 450 participants treated in physical therapy concluded that physical therapy is highly effective for a significant improvement of function and reduction of pain. At MEND, we have successfully treated all types of athletes, office and tech workers,and students. A common and effective treatment includes manipulation of the AA joint as shown in the video below.
Summary
Our clinicians at MEND Boulder and Lafayette are highly trained to diagnose and treat cervicogenic headaches in a natural manner without medications, injections, and other unnecessary medical interventions. We would love to help you get rid of that nagging headache and live to your full potential!
Click here to schedule your next appointment with the experts at MEND