Headaches & Migraines

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Learn more about headache symptoms and how to get pain free.

Dealing With Headaches

Headaches can be incredibly frustrating to endure and affect nearly half of the population. Among various headache types, approximately fifteen to twenty percent stem from neck issues and are categorized as "cervicogenic headache." A common trigger for cervicogenic headaches occurs when there is restricted movement in the joints of the upper cervical spine.

Typically, each joint in your neck moves freely and independently; however, when a blockage occurs, this harmonious movement is disrupted. Restrictions in the upper cervical spine can sometimes lead to a painful cycle of stiffness, muscle tension, and joint inflammation. This, in turn, may result in irritation of the sensitive nerves that extend from your neck to the back of your head.

Symptoms Of Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are typically felt on one side of the head, but there are instances where they can manifest bilaterally. The discomfort often originates from the base of the skull and radiates upwards towards the crown of the head, occasionally extending above the eyes.

In rare situations, this pain might also extend into the arm. These headache episodes can last anywhere from an hour to several days. The pain is usually nearly constant, though it may vary in intensity, and is frequently described as "deep." Additionally, you may experience chronic tenderness and stiffness in the neck.

Triggering Your Symptoms

Cervicogenic headache symptoms are frequently provoked or reproduced by improper movements and postures. This condition is particularly prevalent among individuals who have recently undergone a traumatic event, especially following a motor vehicle accident or a previous concussion.

It tends to affect middle-aged adults and is notably more common in women, with a ratio of nearly four to one. In some instances, cervicogenic headaches are associated with poor posture, such as a "slouched" or "forward head" position.

Getting Over Your Headache Symptoms

Always make sure to inform us if you start to feel that your headaches are worsening over time, if you experience a sudden severe headache, encounter a new or unfamiliar headache, or notice any significant neck stiffness, rash, numbness or tingling in your face, light-headedness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, difficulty speaking, trouble swallowing, issues with walking, nausea, numbness radiating into your arms or legs, or fever.

Dehydration can often exacerbate cervicogenic headaches. It's advisable to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, with increased intake during hot weather or after sweating. Since cervicogenic headaches stem from a mechanical issue, medications are frequently ineffective. Fortunately, our office offers various solutions to address this problem.