What is a bilateral cervicogenic headache and how is it managed?

A bilateral cervicogenic headache is a headache causes pain on both sides of the head and is caused by problems in the upper neck.

Some Things to Know About Cervicogenic Headaches:

• Pain usually affects only one side of the head
• Pain may feel like a dull ache
• Pain can be triggered by neck movement (for example, by turning the head to look over the shoulder while driving)

Some Treatments for Cervicogenic Headaches:

1. Physical Therapy: Exercises and treatments to help the neck move better and feel better are commonly recommended by healthcare providers to manage cervicogenic headaches. For example, a doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for treatment of cervicogenic headaches.
2. Medications: Pain relievers (such as over-the-counter acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen) can help reduce headache pain.

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider to confirm your symptoms are caused by cervicogenic headache rather than another health condition. You can start by taking a free symptom checker test to better understand what might be causing your head and neck pain. Your healthcare provider can also give you a personalized treatment plan for managing cervicogenic headaches.