The most common types of headaches that physical therapists see during clinical practice are tension-type headaches, migraines, and cervicogenic headaches. These headache types have a worldwide prevalence of 38%, 10% and 2.5%, respectively.
Cervicogenic headache is a common cause of chronic headache, which is often misdiagnosed. This middiganosis results from complex overlapping symptoms with various other types of headache that are common in clinical practice.
In this new series of courses available to Physioplus members. Ari Kaplan explains everything you need to know to distinguish and treat cervicogenic headaches and to reduce the complexity of headaches.
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The tutor – Ari Kaplan
Ari Kaplan is a physical therapist with a bachelor's degree in biomechanics and a doctorate in physical therapy from Delaware University.
Following his passions of endless energy, Ari has completed multiple residencies and is a board certified sports specialist, strength and conditioning specialist, mechanical diagnosis therapist from the McKenzie Institute, and multiple certifications in manual therapy and dry needling.
Ari is also a co-founder of the Association of Clinical Excellence (ACE), which prides itself on promoting leadership, personal mastery, and clinical skills. Ari has a deeply rooted passion for treating patients and is contributing to the growth of the physical therapy profession.
The program
This is a brand new and exclusive 5 course program that covers in detail everything you need to know to identify, differentiate and treat your patients with cervicogenic headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache Program
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that affects up to 4.1 percent of the population and begins in the neck or occiput area and spreads pain to the face and head can. CGH is produced by structures innervated by nerve roots C1 through C3, including the upper neck joints and muscles. Cervicogenic headaches may respond to exercise and manual techniques, while other headache disorders may require medical evaluation. In this program, Ari Kaplan will discuss red flags, the differential diagnosis between different types of headache, patient assessment, and developing an individual management plan for patients with CGHs.
Assess and treat CGH safely
The courses
You can take these courses individually or as part of the program. The five courses are described below.
Introduction to cervicogenic headaches
Headache disorders are widespread and are associated with a considerable burden of disease for the individual and the community as a whole. There are many different types of headaches, from primary headaches like migraines to secondary headaches like cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches may respond to exercise and manual techniques, while other headache disorders may require medical evaluation. Because headaches are common in clinical practice physical therapists, it is important that you can make a differential diagnosis between different types of headache and see all the red flag signs and symptoms.
Differentiate between different headaches
Upper cervical spine and CGH
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that originates in the cervical spine. CGH is produced by structures innervated by nerve roots C1 through C3, including the upper neck joints and muscles. Once the specific causes of the headache are identified, CGH may respond well to physical therapy management. Treatment must be tailored to the impairment of each patient. However, a multimodal approach that includes manual techniques and exercise rehabilitation has been found to be beneficial in treating CGH.
The role of the C-spine in headache
Upper shoulder blade and CGH
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that affects up to 4.1 percent of the population. While the upper three cervical segments have been identified as the source of CGH, upper trapezius dysfunction can also be linked to this headache condition. This course takes an in-depth look at the assessment and treatment of the upper shoulder blade, with an emphasis on the relationship of the upper trapezius to the CGH.
The role of the shoulder blade in headache
Cervicogenic headache – anterolateral neck
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a chronic secondary headache that originates in the cervical spine. Patients with CGH are very likely to have myofascial trigger point pain caused by overactivity in their anterior neck muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), as well as weakness in their deep neck flexors. The anterior (anteriolateral) neck should therefore be considered when assessing and treating CGH.
Anterlolateral neck & headache
Practical Treatment Tips for CGH
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that starts in the neck or occiput and can spread pain to the face and head. CGH is caused by musculoskeletal disorders, and research has shown it to be responsive to physiotherapy management. However, careful assessment of multiple regions is required to ensure that all factors contributing to CGH are identified and addressed. This course, the last in the series on CGH, builds on information from previous courses and provides a practical guide to assessing and treating CGH.
Top treatment tips for CGH
