Cervicogenic Headaches
When Headaches Start in the Neck:
What You Need to Know Could Your Headache Actually Be Coming From Your Neck?
If you've been dealing with ongoing headaches or migraines that don't respond well to medication, your neck might be the source of the problem - not your head.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that actually starts in the neck. The word comes from 'cervico' (meaning neck) and 'genic' (meaning origin). In other words, it's a headache caused by issues in the neck especially the top three vertebrae (C1, C2, and C3).
How Can the Neck Cause a Headache? Your upper neck and head share the same nerve network. If something is wrong in your neck - like stiff joints, tight muscles, or irritated nerves - the brain may mistake that pain as coming from your head.
Could This Be You? Signs Your Neck Is the Cause- One-sided headache that can switch sides- Pain on both sides but one side is worse- Headache starts in upper neck- History of neck injury before headaches started- Headaches triggered by poor posture or screen time- Neck, shoulder or shoulder blade discomfort. Even if your neck doesn't hurt now, it can still be the cause of your headache.
Why Hasn't Anyone Mentioned This Before? Cervicogenic headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines or other types. Neck involvement is rarely considered, even though neck and head nerves are connected.
You're Not Making It Up Many patients sense that their neck is the issue, even if scans are normal or medications don't help.
Trust what your body is telling you.
What Can You Do? A proper chiropractic assessment of your upper neck can reveal whether it's the source. This doesn't involve cracking or forceful movements - it's a gentle, skilled hands-on evaluation.
The Good News Cervicogenic headache is one of the most treatable types of headache. A neck-focused approach may be the key to lasting relief.
Don't Rely on Medication Alone Not all headaches are migraines. Your neck may be the missing link. Let's help you find relief - naturally.
Call this clinic on 07 8393202 for an appointment and assessment.
References: 1. Woolf CJ. Pain, 2014. 155(10):1911-1912. 2. Becker WJ. Headache, 2010. 50(4):699-705.
Headache is a common pain symptom, and a recent study shows that chiropractic can alleviate certain kinds of headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck, and they often start with some kind of neck injury due to trauma or an motor vehicle accident.
Researchers in this new study worked with 80 patients with chronic cervicogenic headaches.
Patients received either chiropractic adjustments or light massage.
Patients in the chiropractic group improved substantially more than massage patients. Not only did chiropractic patients have better scores on pain and disability tests, they also experienced a 50% reduction in overall symptoms. By the end of the study, they had a 33% reduction in medication usage and Chiropractic restores the normal flexibility and function of the spine to relieve cervicogenic head pain. If you're suffering from headache, chiropractic can be a safe and effective way to treat pain and improve your health.
Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson D, Aickin M, Vavrek D. Dose response and efficacy of spinal
manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial. The Spine Journal 2010; 10: 117-128. ...research link
