Cervicogenic headache.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache linked to cervical musculoskeletal disorders.
• Early research focused on physical impairments for diagnosis and conservative management.
• This work reviews laboratory research on cervicogenic headache within a broader neck pain research program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review research on cervicogenic headache conducted in the laboratory.
• To explore the diagnosis and conservative management of cervicogenic headache.
• To investigate the link between physical impairments and cervicogenic headache.

Main Methods:

• Validated manual examination against anesthetic nerve blocks for diagnosis.
• Identified physical impairments including reduced cervical motion, altered motor control, and muscle weakness.
• Developed and validated a diagnostic pattern combining motion, joint signs, and deep neck flexor function.
• Conducted a multicenter clinical trial on manipulative therapy and motor control exercise.

Main Results:

• A specific pattern of reduced motion, upper cervical joint signs, and impaired deep neck flexor function accurately identifies cervicogenic headache.
• This pattern differentiates cervicogenic headache from migraine and tension-type headache.
• A combined program of manipulative therapy and motor control exercise proved effective for long-term management.

Conclusions:

• A distinct pattern of physical impairments aids in diagnosing cervicogenic headache.
• Conservative management, including manipulative therapy and motor control exercise, is effective.
• Further research into sensorimotor control and large clinical trials are advocated to strengthen evidence for conservative management.