Cervical headache

Headache presents a diagnostic challenge for the physical therapist due to similarities of signs and symptoms among the many types of headache. Effect ive treatment depends upon accurate diagnosis and identifying the factors t hat may precipitate or perpetuate the symptoms. This commentary overviews s ome common forms of headache and specifically addresses cervical headache a s a possible beneficiary of physical therapy intervention. Details of the h istory and physical examination, which is designed to diagnose cervical hea dache and rule out potential serious pathologies, are presented. Guidelines for treatment of articular and myofascial dysfunction are presented. A cas e report illustrating principles of examination, inherent ambiguities in di agnosis, and successful treatment is also presented.