Assessment
Understanding and evaluating cervicogenic headaches involves a comprehensive assessment. One common observation is the presence of forward head posture, which may be an indication of weak muscle tone, particularly in the deep neck flexors. However, further research is necessary to confirm this relationship. Additionally, individuals with cervicogenic headaches often experience muscle tightness in the neck, chest, and shoulders. Electromyography (EMG) tests reveal heightened responsiveness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the largest muscle in the neck responsible for flexion and rotation to the opposite side, while the response from the deep neck flexors is diminished.
Additional Findings
When assessing cervicogenic headaches, healthcare professionals may also look for various additional findings. These can include palpable joint dysfunction, pain experienced during passive movement, and restricted range of motion. Moreover, a soft tissue assessment may reveal trigger point pain on the symptomatic side. Interestingly, in half of the cases, palpating these trigger points can reproduce the same headache pain. Furthermore, individuals suffering from cervicogenic headaches may display abnormal breathing patterns. This is often caused by muscle tightness that affects the accessory breathing muscles. However, it is important to note that there is not complete agreement among experts regarding these assessment findings, and further research is necessary to gain a better understanding.