Physical therapy for cervicogenic headache.

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache, a type of chronic headache, is caused by dysfunction of cervical structures. As its sign and symptom is very close to migraine and/or tension headache, it is more likely unrecognized or misdiagnosed. The sooner diagnosis and management are established, the physician or physiotherapist can remarkably decrease the disability of cervicogenic headache at less cost. A skillful physiotherapist who is trained to manualiy diagnose and versed in manipulation techniques can early identify cervicogenic headache disorder and provide appropriate intervention such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and posture with sensoriomotor training to help the patients to have a better and sustainable quality of life. As for some patients who do not respond to the physical intervention, they may need multidisciplinary team or require further investigations by specialists.