Cervicogenic headache: the neck is a generator: con
updated
Vincent MB. Cervicogenic headache: the neck is a generator: con. Headache. 2010 Apr;50(4):706–9. PubMed #20456157.
Tags: etiology, headache, neck, pro, head, head/neck, pain problems, spine
original abstract†Abstracts here may not perfectly match originals, for a variety of technical and practical reasons. Some abstacts are truncated for my purposes here, if they are particularly long-winded and unhelpful. I occasionally add clarifying notes. And I make some minor corrections.
Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is a well-recognized headache syndrome, distinguishable from other primary and secondary headaches. Although in some cases a cervical lesion may be detected in connection with the headache, many CeH patients have no demonstrable lesion. Besides, most of the frequent cervical diseases, such as spondylosis and disc herniations, do not present with headache of the cervicogenic type. This suggests that the neck is not an independent headache generator. CeH may depend in addition on a central predisposition counterpart, leading to the activation of the trigeminovascular system and pain generation.
related content
- “International Headache Society headache diagnostic patterns in pain facility patients,” an article in The Clinical Journal of Pain, 2001.
- “Prevalence of cervicogenic headache: Vågå study of headache epidemiology,” an article in Acta Neurol Scand, 2008.
- “Cervicogenic headache: an assessment of the evidence on clinical diagnosis, invasive tests, and treatment,” an article in Lancet Neurol, 2009.
- “The neck and headaches,” an article in Neurol Clin, 2014.
Vincent 2010 is about:
- “Cervicogenic headache: evidence that the neck is a pain generator,” an article in Headache, 2010.
One article on PainScience.com cites Vincent 2010 as a source:
- PS Complete Guide to Tension Headaches — Detailed, readable self-help for stubborn tension headaches, especially due to muscle pain in the neck and shoulders
