The Conversance of Cervicogenic Headache with Perspective of Physiotherapy

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache is new emerging condition among middle age group people. A persistent headache called a cervicogenic headache (CGH) affects one or more parts of the head, neck, and/or face and is caused by the atlanto-occipital and upper cervical joints. This condition always gets confused with migraine but the actual difference is migraine rooted from brain and, CGH rooted from cervical region or skull’s base. Structures such as nerves, bones and muscles present in cervical region causes cervicogenic headache. Many physiotherapeutic approaches given in cervicogenic headache including manual therapy and soft tissue manipulation techniques including exercises. Although the most recent scientific studies have not yet reached a clear conclusion, they do support the use of manual treatments in tension type and CGH. These contradicting results may be a result of the fact that not all manual treatments are effective for treating all types of migraines or that not all headache sufferers would gain from manual therapies. Primary results suggest that individuals with less sensitivity would gain more from manual treatment, while more studies are required. The effects of positional release technique and myofascial release technique on CGH have been examined in soft tissue manipulation. Clinical features of CGH are more related to trigger points and hypomobility in joints so soft tissue manipulation is problem solving and safe techniques for the condition. More research needs to be studied on soft tissue manipulation techniques.