Cervical headache: how to recognize it and how to prevent it

Cervical headache, also known as cervicalgia, was first observed in the 1980s by Norwegian neurologist Ottar Sjaastad. It consists of a recurring, non-throbbing, lateral headache or facial pain. It is caused by a non-traumatic alteration of the neck bones and is associated with a musculoskeletal problem in the first three bones of the neck.

Cause

The main cause of headaches associated with cervical pain is certainly a bad posture, with the neck contracted for too long, causing inflammation of the muscles, nerves, and vertebrae. The classic example is people who spend long hours hunched over a computer screen, with their head bowed. Another cause is related to physical activity that has put excessive pressure on the neck and cervical area, to the point of inflammation. Another cause is excessive neck immobility due to excessively long, unnecessarily prolonged sleep: in these cases, headaches arise from the lack of neck movement. Finally, there are neck traumas, such as whiplash from an accident, cervical hernias, and certain degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and spondylosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical headache are quite obvious:

• The neck becomes stiff and tense, and the patient is unable to make a series of movements with either the neck or the head
• The pain is quite constant and prolonged
• It usually affects only one side of the head
• Tiredness and muscle fatigue
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Tingling in the arms
• Weakness of the muscles of the arms and hands

Diagnosis

Cervical headaches are diagnosed clinically, during a specialist examination. He or she will then recommend further diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan, MRI, or electromyography (EMG), which primarily serves to rule out more serious conditions.

Remedies

Never take too many medications for neck headaches: they are useless and can be counterproductive. It's always better to start with the natural remedies, then moving on to physiotherapy which helps to achieve a correct posture combined with exercises stretching, decontracting massages, and manipulations. If the pain is severe and difficult to manage, painkillers or anti-inflammatories can be used, after consulting your doctor.

Prevention

For those who are prone to this type of headache, it is suggested to:

• Practicing a water sport such as ARTISTIC
• Do some walk fast to maintain good joint mobility
• Practice with yoga and pilates
• Use relaxation techniques that reduce the stress, one of the causes of arthritis and cervical pain
• Muscle stretching exercises, typical of stretching
• Avoid smoking
• Sleeping with a firm pillow.

Read also:

• Swimming: the benefits of the most complete sport
• How to run well and correctly
• How to walk correctly

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