Tension-type headaches vs Cervicogenic headaches: How physiotherapy can help
Headache triggered by neck pain.
Headaches are one of the things that we often see at Cape Town Physiotherapy, with many people not knowing that headaches are treatable and that physiotherapy can make a big difference.
Two of the most common types we treat are:
- Tension-Type Headaches (TTH)
- Cervicogenic Headaches (CGH)
Being able to distinguish which type of headache you present with, allows us to treat you effectively. Headaches can present themselves the same way, but there are some distinct differences.
Tension-Type Headaches
These types of headaches are the most common form of headache and are often described as:
- A dull and aching pain
- A tight “band-like” pressure around the head
- Both sides of the head
- Mild to moderate intensity
- Associated with neck and shoulder tightness
Common triggers can include:
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Prolonged desk work
- Muscle fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
In many cases, the neck and upper shoulder muscles (especially upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipitals) become overactive and sensitive. This leads to the build-up of tension and eventually to the headache feeling.
Cervicogenic Headache
Key features of these types of headaches can include:
- Usually one-sided pain
- Pain that starts in the neck and moves up to the head
- Reduced neck movement
- Headache triggered by neck movement or sustained posture
Unlike tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches are mechanically driven. This means neck movement and joint dysfunction are the primary contributors. A cervicogenic headache originates from structures in the neck and the pain is referred from joints, discs, or muscles in the upper neck.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
The most important step is identifying the underlying cause of the headache. Your assessment may include:
- Postural analysis
- Cervical range of motion testing
- Upper cervical joint assessment
- Muscle strength and endurance testing
- Trigger point assessment
Then treatment will start with constant feedback and re-assessment and can involve:
- Manual therapy or joint mobilisation to the upper cervical spine
- Myofascial release of tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Dry needling of myofascial trigger points
- Postural retraining
- Ergonomic advice
- Rehabilitation
Research shows that manual therapy combined with exercise is highly-effective for both tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
- Your headaches are frequent (weekly or more)
- You rely on medication to manage it
- You feel constant neck tightness or stiffness
- You work long hours at a desk
The bottom line: Headaches are very treatable and a condition we have vast experience in at Cape Town Physiotherapy.
At Cape Town Physiotherapy, we are here to support your recovery every step of the way.
Book your appointment today and let our team guide you back to pain-free running. https://
