Emerging role of ultrasound guided interventional management in cervicogenic headache

Abstract

The objective of this mini review is to discuss the role of
musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) in identification and
treatment of pain generators in cervical spine in patients
presenting with cervicogenic headache (CEH). CEH is a
secondary headache arising from cervical nociceptive
structures emerging from facet joints, intervertebral discs,
nerves, muscles, fascia and ligaments. It presents a
complex challenge in clinical management.
Traditional treatments often provide limited relief,
prompting the exploration of innovative interventions
like US guided techniques. MSK US is gaining momentum
since last 2 decades and it has transformed the
interventional management options for diverse
conditions including CEH with improved accuracy and
efficacy. The management of CEH needs to be
multidisciplinary keeping biopsychosocial model of pain
in mind. In countries like Pakistan, there is a huge
potential to apply US guided procedures in its population,
as it reduces the number of visits by the patient and
reduces the overall healthcare cost. By targetting specific
pain generators and minimizing collateral damage, these
interventions hold immense promise in improving the
management. Herein, we briefly discuss the diagnosis of
CEH and evidence based US guided interventions on
cervical pain generators.