
What is neck pain and cervicogenic headache?
Neck pain is a common condition with localized pain in the neck region which may spread to the upper back or the arm. It is often the result of strain to the muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs and other tissues surrounding the cervical spine . Pain can also be referred from the upper back or shoulder region.
Neck pain can also be associated with headache originating from the head and upper neck region (i.e. cervicogenic headache)
What causes neck pain and cervicogenic headache?
- Direct trauma e.g. falls, whiplash
- Sudden unguarded movement
- Overuse or repetitive microtrauma
- Postural factors e.g. prolonged head down posture, sleeping posture
- Muscle imbalance
- Poor sleep & stress
What symptoms might you experience?
- Neck pain usually localized to the neck & upper shoulder region, but may also spread to the upper back/ arm area
- Headache typically localized to the back of the head & neck, but may also spread to the forehead, temples, eyes or ears
- Immediate pain/ pain shortly after injury/ gradual onset of pain
- Pain worsens with neck a/o arm movement associated with decreased mobility, stiffness & muscle spasm