Cervicogenic Headaches (Part 2): Treatment Options

General Pain Management
 -Hot or cold packs
-Cervical pillow/supportive mattress
-Traction or stretching

Muscle Therapy
-Myofascial trigger point techniques (especially in these muscles: upper trapezius, splenius, suboccipitals and sternocleidomastoid)
-Post-isometric relaxation 
-Passive and active stretching of specific neck muscles
Evidence suggests: muscle techniques are particularly well suits for the management of cervicogenic headaches

Joint Mobilization/Manipulation
-Upper cervical spine (upper neck) and occiput (where your head joins with your neck)
Evidence suggests: cervicogenic headaches respond extremely well to cervical spine and occiput manipulation

Electrotherapy
-IFC and TENS may help decrease muscle spasm

Acupuncture
-Local cervical and suboccipital points, ST8, GB20, GB21, UB9, UB10, ST6, GB40, LI4

Prevention and Patient Education
-Stress reduction and management strategies
-Positions to avoid: aggravating loading positions, painful sleeping positions
-Work station and car seat ergonomic assessment
​** Hint, hint: with working from home becoming the new norm, make sure you have a comfortable and functional work station at home. 

If you've been suffering from cervicogenic headaches it's never too late to start managing them and getting rid of the pain. The above treatment options are services that are available at Nurture Family Chiropractic in Guelph, Ontario. To learn more about how we can help you get your headaches under control, call or book online with Dr. Brenda Yee.

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