We are open and safely seeing patients.
Headache Definition:
A headache involves pain in the head, which can arise from many disorders or may be a disorder in and of itself.
Headache Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is the cornerstone of headache management. Successful management relies on correctly identifying the origin and contributing factors of a headache.
To achieve an accurate diagnosis a headache must be classified into like sub-groups based on the factors driving the headache. Only then can appropriate headache management occur.
The “International Classification of Headache Disorders” classifies all headache forms into primary and secondary headaches.
Primary Headaches:
Primary Headaches occur for no obvious reason, not caused by any underlying disease or process. The headache itself is the illness. Primary headaches include migraine, tension and cluster headaches. Primary headaches are far more common than secondary headaches.
Secondary Headaches:
Secondary headaches result from other medical or neurological condition, and will generally not resolve until the specific cause is diagnosed and addressed. Secondary headaches include sinus headache, headache from a head injury as a concussion or whiplash and a headache experienced when decreasing medication dose.
Cervicogenic Headaches:
Cervicogenic headache is a Secondary headache commonly described as a severe limiting headache caused by disturbance of the upper neck joints, muscles, discs and ligaments. While starting in the neck this headache can send pain to the head, eyes,sinuses and teeth.
If the pattern of a patient’s headache meets the cervicogenic headache classification, the physical therapists at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy look for 4 specific factors:
If these 4 factors are present then cervicogenic headache can be differentiated with 100% certainty from Migraine and Tension headaches, the two most commonly diagnosed headache forms.
Pro-Motion Physical Therapy uses a structured treatment approach based on scientific research to manage cervicogenic headache patients.
Pro-Motion Physical Therapy Treatment Approach:
Cervicogenic headache patient presentations vary from uncomplicated disorders to the complex. Management at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, therefore, varies from being relatively straight forward to very challenging. The precise management is guided by the presentation of the individual patient and has a strong emphasis on patient education.
The treatment of a cervicogenic headache patient often proceeds as follows:
Management of the joints of the neck
Research has shown that gentle movement of the joints of the neck in a rhythmical fashion can relieve joint pain and restore neck movement.
Management of the muscle system of the neck and shoulder blade
Altered muscle control of the neck and the shoulder blade occurs immediately with neck pain or joint injury and can persist after the pain has resolved, pre-disposing the neck to recurrent episodes
Rehabilitation of both areas is essential to resolve neck pain and the headache.
A low-load muscle training program is advocated as it has an immediate pain relieving effect on the painful joints of the neck in patients with neck pain and headache.
The program consists of 3 phases:
Phase 1: Focuses on low-load precision exercises to re-activate the neck and shoulder blade muscles.
Phase 2: Aims to continue muscle re-education in upright postural positions.
Phase 3: Introduces strength and endurance muscle exercises to meet a patients, work, recreational or sporting requirements.
Home Exercise Program
All aspects of Cervicogenic Headache treatment are complemented with a home program of exercises. Exercise and advice on modification of exercises to work or lifestyle activities will be given to our patient’s in pictorial form with written instructions of the number of repetitions and frequency.
If you have been diagnosed with Migraine headaches and have taken medication, often for years with little effect, consider Cervicogenic Headache an alternative diagnosis for your headache and get the relief you desire.
If you've tried everything and nothing works, we may be able to help.
Please bring the following completed forms to you first appointment.
Mon - Fri: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - Close
Is your pain keeping you from driving yourself to our clinic? Not to worry! Our Pro•Motion shuttle is available to transport you to and from your appointment at our clinic.
Nothing should stop you from getting the care you deserve! Call us at 815-521-4400 to schedule your Pro•Motion transportation appointment.