Which of the following findings is characteristic of cervicogenic headaches?

• A. Increased AROM in cervical extension
• B. Painful palpation at C1/C2
• C. Positive Spurling test result
• D. Decreased range of motion in the thoracic spine

Answer: (B)

The characteristic finding of painful palpation at C1/C2 in cervicogenic headaches is indicative of the involvement of the cervical spine, particularly in the upper cervical region. Cervicogenic headaches are typically caused by issues in the cervical spine and its structures, including muscles, ligaments, and joints. The C1/C2 area, also known as the atlanto-axial joint, is often implicated because it can refer pain to the head when irritated or inflamed.

Painful palpation at this level suggests that there may be dysfunction or irritation of the cervical facet joints or associated soft tissues, which is a common source of pain transmission contributing to cervicogenic headaches. This aligns with the nature of cervicogenic headaches, which often present with unilateral head pain that may accompany neck stiffness and pain in specific cervical structures.

In contrast, increased range of motion in cervical extension would not typically characterize cervicogenic headaches, as these patients usually experience restricted motion due to pain and muscle tension. Similarly, a positive Spurling test is more often associated with radicular symptoms or cervical nerve root involvement, rather than cervicogenic headache specifically. Lastly, decreased thoracic spine motion, while it may indicate broader postural or functional issues, does not