Headaches
A headache is the most common ailment in the world that has affected every individual in one way or the other. There are different types of headaches attributed to over two hundred various causes. This is amongst the reasons that headaches are often misdiagnosed. Headaches can be categorized into a primary headache and a secondary headache.
Primary and Secondary headache
A primary headache is prompted by an individual's overactivity or pain-sensitive structures that lead to migraines and tension headaches. They may cause significant pain to the individual but is rarely life-threatening. It is important to note that primary headaches are not due to an underlying condition. On the other hand, a secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying condition such as a medical condition, infection, injury, or blood vessel issues.
Description of a Cervicogenic headache
This is a medical term that refers to headaches caused by pain from the upper cervical spine, which is within the range of the upper part of the neck. It falls under secondary headaches as it is often a sign of an underlying condition. It has the same symptoms as those of a primary headache. Distinguishing them is a challenge. However, the cervicogenic pain is rooted in the cervical spine, whereas migraines are rooted in the brain.
Symptoms of Cervicogenic headache
The symptoms associated with this type of headache are usually head pain triggered by neck movement or postures. A cough or sneeze may also lead to these pains. Additionally, a stiff neck with pain around the eyes and only one side of the head is a reason for concern. There is moderate to severe intensity with intermittent attacks lasting from hours to days. It has the same symptoms as a migraine headache. These include intense head throbbing, photophobia, and nausea.
Red Flags
The symptoms of this type of headache assist in diagnosis that could avoid complications if intervened early. Furthermore, there are some red flags that one should look out for and seek medical assistance promptly. These include the following:-
Prevention
The same strategies applied in managing headaches are in prevention. As the headache roots from pain from the cervical spine, it is critical to maintain and practice a good posture in all activities. Proper posture ensures that the neck and spine are aligned. In addition to that, any individual who engages in sports should avoid collisions that would involve their head and neck. Prevention is best in handling headaches.
A headache is the most common ailment in the world that has affected every individual in one way or the other. There are different types of headaches attributed to over two hundred various causes. This is amongst the reasons that headaches are often misdiagnosed. Headaches can be categorized into a primary headache and a secondary headache.
Primary and Secondary headache
A primary headache is prompted by an individual's overactivity or pain-sensitive structures that lead to migraines and tension headaches. They may cause significant pain to the individual but is rarely life-threatening. It is important to note that primary headaches are not due to an underlying condition. On the other hand, a secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying condition such as a medical condition, infection, injury, or blood vessel issues.
Description of a Cervicogenic headache
This is a medical term that refers to headaches caused by pain from the upper cervical spine, which is within the range of the upper part of the neck. It falls under secondary headaches as it is often a sign of an underlying condition. It has the same symptoms as those of a primary headache. Distinguishing them is a challenge. However, the cervicogenic pain is rooted in the cervical spine, whereas migraines are rooted in the brain.
Symptoms of Cervicogenic headache
The symptoms associated with this type of headache are usually head pain triggered by neck movement or postures. A cough or sneeze may also lead to these pains. Additionally, a stiff neck with pain around the eyes and only one side of the head is a reason for concern. There is moderate to severe intensity with intermittent attacks lasting from hours to days. It has the same symptoms as a migraine headache. These include intense head throbbing, photophobia, and nausea.
Red Flags
The symptoms of this type of headache assist in diagnosis that could avoid complications if intervened early. Furthermore, there are some red flags that one should look out for and seek medical assistance promptly. These include the following:-
- Sudden onset of a severe headache that did not exist previously
- A pre-existing headache that is worsening while no predisposing factors of the individual.
- Moderate to severe headache that is triggered by coughs, sneeze, and bearing down.
- A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or skin rash. It's associated history of H.I.V, cancer, and any other systemic illnesses.
- Headaches are associated with focal neurological signs such as impairments of the spinal cord, nerves, and brain function that only affect a particular region.
- A new headache during pregnancy or following a pregnancy.
Prevention
The same strategies applied in managing headaches are in prevention. As the headache roots from pain from the cervical spine, it is critical to maintain and practice a good posture in all activities. Proper posture ensures that the neck and spine are aligned. In addition to that, any individual who engages in sports should avoid collisions that would involve their head and neck. Prevention is best in handling headaches.