Are You Having Cervicogenic Headaches and Neck pain? A Guide for Computers Users.

In today’s world, spending hours on the computer or a laptop is a part of everyday life.

However, did you know that poor posture and long hours in front of a screen can lead to neck pain and headaches?

This is often known as cervicogenic headache,

a type of headache that starts in the neck and spreads to your head.

For people who spend a lot of time at their desks, especially in Sargodha,

this can be a real problem.

Let’s dive into what causes it and how physiotherapy can help.

What is Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a type of pain that originates in your neck but is felt in your head.

It happens when there’s an issue with the muscles, joints, or nerves in the neck.

For example, if you sit in the wrong position for a long time, it can strain your neck muscles and lead to these headaches.

People with this type of headache might feel:

• Tightness in their neck.

• Pain starting from the base of the skull and moving up to the forehead.

• A throbbing sensation that worsens after long hours at the computer.

How Does Computer Use Cause Neck Pain?

Computer use can cause forward head posture, where the head leans forward, putting extra stress on your neck.

This strain affects the muscles and vertebrae in your neck,

often leading to headaches and discomfort.

Here are the common reasons why this happens:

• Incorrect Posture: Sitting for hours without adjusting your monitor or chair height can force your head forward, causing neck strain.

• Lack of Movement: When you don’t take breaks, your muscles stay tense for too long, leading to pain.

• Extended Screen Time: Spending more than six hours a day on the computer without proper ergonomic support can lead to both headaches and neck pain​.

Signs You May Have Cervicogenic Headache

If you’re unsure whether you have cervicogenic headaches, here are some signs to watch for:

• Pain that starts in the neck and moves to your head.

• Headaches that get worse after using the computer for long periods.

• Neck stiffness and discomfort while turning your head.

• The headache is often on one side of the head.

Physiotherapy Solutions for Neck Pain and Headaches

The good news is that physiotherapy can help relieve neck pain and cervicogenic headaches.

A physiotherapist will work with you to correct your posture,

strengthen your muscles, and reduce the tension in your neck.

Here are a few ways physiotherapy helps:

Posture Training: A physiotherapist can teach you how to sit correctly at your desk to reduce the strain on your neck.

Neck Exercises: Specific exercises are given to strengthen your neck muscles and improve flexibility, reducing pain.

Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques such as massage or gentle stretching to relieve tension and restore movement.

Ergonomic Advice: Learning how to properly set up your workstation can prevent neck pain from recurring.

Simple Tips to Prevent Neck Pain While Using a Computer

It’s easy to prevent neck pain and headaches from computer use by making small adjustments to your daily routine:

1. Set Your Monitor at Eye Level: Make sure your monitor is at eye level to avoid looking down or up.

2. Take Breaks: Every 30 minutes, stand up, stretch, and move your body. This will keep your muscles relaxed and prevent stiffness.

3. Use Proper Back Support: Sit on a chair that supports your lower back, and try to sit upright.

4. Keep Your Feet Flat: Make sure your feet are flat on the floor to maintain good posture.

When to See a Physiotherapist

If you experience neck pain and headaches often, it might be time to see a physiotherapist.

Dr. Farjad Afzal, an Expert Physiotherapist in Sargodha,

can help pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain.

These problems are usually caused by poor posture and lack of movement. By visiting a physiotherapist and making some small changes to your workstation setup, you can reduce your pain and feel better.

Don’t let neck pain control your life—reach out to a physiotherapist today to start feeling healthier!