Cervicogenic headache
Cervicogenic headache is often not constant but comes on in fits and starts. We often see that cervicogenic headache is present on one side of the head and is triggered by movements of the head. This form of headache occurs because the deeper muscles of the neck are not functioning properly. The severity of this headache can vary and may even radiate to the same arm as the side where the headache is located. Cervicogenic headache is easily diagnosed by a physiotherapist. The duration of this type of headache varies, this is partly to do with how you deal with the complaint. If you don't enlist the help of a physiotherapist, for example, the symptoms can persist for a long time, think months to years.

Cause
Cervicogenic headache is often not constant but comes on in fits and starts. Cervicogenic headache is often present on one side of the head and is triggered by movements of the head. So often the pain comes on with movements of the head. This pain can range from moderate to severe. This type of headache occurs because the deeper muscles of the neck do not function properly. Because these deeper muscles do not function properly, other larger muscle groups take over functions to some extent, causing tension and possibly shortening of muscles.
Complaints and symptoms
Cervicogenic headache involves a headache on one side of the head. The severity of this headache can vary and may even radiate to the same arm as the side where the headache is located. Because this form of headache often arises from a lesser function of the neck, in many cases we also see a decreased movement of the neck, this is also experienced as stiffness. In addition to these complaints there is sometimes dizziness involving nausea and sound and light sensitivity. In some cases, difficulty can also be experienced with swallowing while eating, for example.
Diagnosis and examination
The duration of this type of headache varies, partly to do with how the complaint is dealt with. If you do not enlist the help of a physiotherapist, for example, the complaints can persist for a long time, from months to years. Treatment of these complaints partly consists of mobilisations to regain the mobility of the neck and, in addition, performing exercises. These exercises are important to give the neck back its strength so that the rest of the body does not have to take the strain.
Treatments and prognosis
The duration of this type of headache varies, partly to do with how the complaint is dealt with. If you do not enlist the help of a physiotherapist, for example, the complaints can persist for a long time, from months to years. Treatment of these complaints partly consists of mobilisations to regain the mobility of the neck and, in addition, performing exercises. These exercises are important to give the neck back its strength so that the rest of the body does not have to take the strain.
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