Cervicogenic Headache (Headache with cervical origin)

What is

Cervicogenic headache is a pain that manifests itself in the cranial region whose source of origin is in the cervical region. It is overall one of the most frequent causes of cranial pain after migraine and tension headache. It manifests itself most frequently unilaterally, usually as a pain in the back of the head (occiput), on the sides of the head (temporal) and whose origin/source is in the degenerative or traumatic deterioration (due to an accident) of the joints that join the cervical vertebrae (facet joints) of the upper segments of the cervical region (from C1 to C3).Occasionally the pain is accompanied by nausea and photoaudiophobia (sensation of discomfort to noises and light).

Causes

Degenerative, due to deterioration of the facet joints that join the vertebrae from the posterior region.
Traumatic, as a consequence of trauma from a traffic accident.
Post-surgical.

Symptoms

The pain is continuous, appearing daily with movements of the cervical region.
It can affect both sides of the head, although it usually manifests unilaterally.
It usually occurs on the occiput region (neck).
It is usually associated with stiffness and muscle spasms.
May be associated with dizziness phenomena.

Approach protocol

Diagnosis and assessment

A correct medical evaluation will be necessary by means of a good anamnesis, physical examination and, if necessary, support of imaging tests. Focusing especially on detecting the origin and cause of the pain. Sometimes this diagnosis may involve the collaboration of other professionals such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, rehabilitators and physiotherapists.

Tests if necessary

Magnetic resonance imaging and brain CT.

Treatment

Drugs for pain relief
Interventional treatments: when pain control is not sufficient with drugs, interventional treatments will be applied to alleviate pain. Treatments of great help such as:
- Facet blocking
- Radiofrequency treatments
Physiotherapy: methodology based on knowledge and clinical reasoning in which we combine a series of techniques and treatments both manual therapy and invasive techniques, always associated or complementing them with cutting-edge technology that allows us to accelerate the recovery process. Among other high-tech devices include Magnetolith, SIS, focal shock waves, Indiba, among others. This therapeutic combination allows us to activate the patient early to begin with a routine and a process of specific therapeutic exercises that allow us to enhance and strengthen the lost functional patterns.
Maintenance: the pertinent follow-up will be carried out to see the evolution of the pain.

Here begins your life without pain

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Virginia Martinez

2 days ago

JM Albea

2 days ago

Gracias de corazón por haberme paliado mi dolencia. Son un equipo fantástico súper atentos y trabajadores. Muy recomendable si padeces cualquier tipo de dolor acudir a su consulta.

Ciudadano Del Mundo

3 days ago

Tanto el Doctor Xavier Morales García, como todo su equipo y las administrativas, de 10. Sin duda un equipo muy profesional.

Carmen Mari Mancilla

4 days ago

Evelyn Romero

4 days ago

Excelente atención desde el ingreso, las recepcionista son muy amables y el esperar indica que la doctora VIETA en mi caso, ha tenido respeto y cuidado por mi dolor.