Approach to Cervicogenic Headache From the Perspective of Physical Medicine Publisher



Azadvari M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Headache and Migraine in Practice Published:2022

Abstract

Cervicogenic headaches affect approximately 2.2% of the global population. In pain management clinics, the prevalence of cervicogenic headache is as high as 20% of patients with chronic headache. It is caused by a disruption or injury in the upper cervical spine that affects the area of convergence between the trigeminal, spinal accessory, and cervical afferents. Spinal nerves C1, C2, and C3 and cranial nerve 11 (spinal accessory nerve) converge with cranial nerve 5 (trigeminal nerve). This convergence can cause upper cervical pain to radiate into the parietal, frontal, and orbital regions. There are different treatments for cervicogenic headache, including nonpharmacologic treatments such as manipulation and exercise. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.