Cervicogenic Headache: What helps?

@helloshelly7969

Thanks, Shelly. I appreciated the video and I think it will be informative to others as well.

Please remember that not all pain clinics are pushing opioids. It really might be helpful to just listen to what they have to say. I really do agree, though, that Physical Therapy, Tai-Chi, and other exercises are the best idea, though.

What sort of exercises do you do on a regular basis to improve your range of motion, etc.? I always like to compare notes with others who are pill-aversive!

Teresa

I am a pool junky. I feel free in it! Well almost. I have a constant grinding noise with movement that I don't push very hard. Just got my right shoulder to almost form a swim stroke. But walking in the pool has improved my balance. God bless

@helloshelly7969 Yes, pool walking is great - I like it as well. Teresa

I’m reaching out because I’ve been dealing with constant headache since my concussion 6 months ago, and it never fully goes away. In fact they are getting worse since October. I’ve been in therapy and am making good progress in other areas, but the headache itself remains my hardest symptom.

I’m wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience and found anything that helped reduce the intensity or frequency. Any ideas, suggestions, or things that worked for you would be greatly appreciated.

I am a 62 year old female, in June involved in a car accident. I realize slow process and am grateful for small wins, my team & family. But this headache is feeling unsustainable. Cranial blocks, over the counter, pharmaceuticals have not worked. I live in Michigan and feel like the weather really affects me…?

Look forward to your feedback and advice

@johannawest might try sun glasses that dim the light that even comes in from the side or corners of the eyes. don't look directly at some light as it can trigger the head ache. other than that check with your doctor to make sure its not something else going on. saying a prayer for you------------ sent. have a blessed day.

@johannawest ,
I hope you were able to have a nice Holiday with friends and family. I am struggling with continuous headaches after a concussion in October. I either wake up with one and it will last all day or it will start during the day if I try to do anything that is normal living. I also have terrible strain at the back base of my skull. I bought a ice pack on Amazon that is to wrap around the front of my head, however, I have been using this at the base of my skull, his seems to help quite a bit. But, they continue to come back daily. The Dr's say try ice or heat, so that is what I have been doing. Good luck, I will say a 🙏🏻.

@gpung
Thank you so much for advice. I am sorry that you also have this headache it is hard but your advice does work in taking the edge off. In January I am going to try a new Therapy that I have been researching that targets cervical rehabilitation, with structured flare-day strategies as my headache seems to flare with changes in barometric pressure.
PT will focus on:
Manual therapy to upper cervical spine (C1-C3)
Deep neck flexor strengthening
Scapular and postural stabilization
Ergonomic education and home exercise program
I am hoping this will be helpful 🤞🏻in alleviating this headache. As it is a real handicap to me living my life. Thanks again for your comments, very much appreciated. 😊

I have recently tried applying 4% Lidocaine patches to the upper part of my neck right up to the hairline and that works quite well. I also find I get ear pressure during headaches and my doctor told me to use prescription strength Flonase 2x day and stated it take take up to a month to not daily use to see a benefit but it helped me after 3 days so I am using that daily as for me it made a huge difference. I have also been prescribed Robaxin muscle relaxers to take to help calm down muscle spasms and tension in my neck.

Also, please please avoid forward head posture as this will be your arch enemy. I know it is easier said than done but to is will make the most difference. Try not to recline as it overuses your front neck muscles and the best position is sitting or standing tall with your head stacked over your shoulders that are stacked over hips. I was told the easiest way to get in a good posture is to straighten up as if making yourself taller and imagine trying to tilt your nipples up as that gives your back the right arch.

Check your supplements- I take for migraines B2, B12, Omega 3, CoQ10, and Magnesium.

I honestly would be lost without the Lidocaine patches and movement exercises (I use Somatic Movement Center online program that is at your own pace and schedule). They also have a book called “pain relief secret” that gets very technical but has really helped me understand what is actually happening in your body when you have pain. I like the audiobook version.

My goal has been to work at reducing and eliminating medication for pain as they can actually make pain worse over time (while other topic there) but first you have to get your body and mind ready to take that journey. These are things that have worked for me along with muscle stripping work to release tight muscles and allowing my c-spine to naturally go back into alignment. I have been told absolutely NO manual adjustments and if you have tight muscles manual adjustments are wasting money as the tightness puts them right back out of alignment next time you move. Heat is great to do before you start stretching or doing movement exercises as it loosens up the muscles and then ice packs are great to use after to soothe any inflammation.
I know this was a lot of information and I hope it helps.

@johannawest I start PT next week ! Thank you

@johannawest please, please keep us posted. You sound you have received good advice and have a plan.
Thank you.