Cervicogenic headaches
Ok I'm new to the chronic headache community and I need some advice. Not quite about migraines but I figured it's similar. I've been diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches by my chiropractor. Basically, I've had neck/back pain since 2020 and have been going to a chiropractor since 2022. I've had horrible forward head posture as long as I can remember. But around May of this year I started having horrible headaches 24/7. It lasted like 6 weeks straight before I had any relief, which was from being adjusted(I go twice a week now) I've also started going to physical therapy to help with my posture (weekly).
It's helped a lot but I still get headaches like 50% of the days. I know it's a big improvement but basically I'm wondering if it'll ever go away completely. Or if it's normal for it to take some time. The pain is mostly on the top of my head, but sometimes my temples and the base of my skull. Im even having TMJ issues which I never had before. My chiropractor thinks it stems from the neck tension. My upper traps and neck are horribly tight and full of knots.
I can't seem to figure out what triggers a bad day vs a good day though. I know sleeping poorly aggravates it but sometimes I don't know my posture while I sleep. I've tried:
-Chiropractic adjustment (helps sometimes)
-Stretching in the morning and before bed (helps a bit)
-PT (not sure if it works but the massages feel good)
-Cervical neck pillow and sleeping on my back (not sure if it works)
-Tiger balm (helps momentarily)
-Icing my neck (helps momentarily)
-NSAIDS (do not work)
-Muscle relaxer (did not work only make me drowsy)
-I plan on trying laser therapy for the knots and tightness
Basically any advice from those with the same co ditto. would be helpful. Maybe additional treatment options that your doctor recommended and worked for you or reassurance that it takes time and I just need patience 😭