Is my headache a migraine or coming from my neck?
9 out of 10 North Americans have suffered from headaches at some point in their lives.
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is it a Migraine or a Cervicogenic Headache?
Feature Migraine Cervicogenic Headache Primary Cause Neurovascular (involving blood vessels and nerves in the brain). Musculoskeletal (originating from the neck's joints or muscles). Pain Location Usually one side of the head, but it can shift. Usually, one side, starts at the base of the skull and moves forward. Nature of Pain Throbbing or pulsating. Dull, steady ache or "band-like" pressure. Neck Movement Neck movement does not usually trigger the pain. Triggered by specific neck movements or sustained postures (e.g., "Tech Neck"). Associated Symptoms Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound. Reduced range of motion in the neck; tenderness in the upper neck muscles. Warning Signs May include "Auras" (visual flickers or blind spots). No aura; often preceded by a stiff or "locked" feeling in the neck. Chiropractic Focus Focuses on reducing frequency by managing triggers and cervical tension. Primary Treatment: Restoring joint mobility and releasing muscle knots (trigger points).
Here's what you need to know about your headaches.
Watch this video to learn about headaches and what you can do about it.
Are your headaches coming from your neck?
Many of them are!
One of the most common causes of headaches is stiffness and tension in the muscles and joints of your neck. These are called cervicogenic headaches.
Research has demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can not only have an immediate effect on these headaches but also has a long lasting effect.
We use a variety of safe and effective techniques to help treat and manage headache. Regardless of if your headache is coming from your neck or is migraine like we have experiencing helping patients like you. We have had success treating both acute and persistent headache.
Are you struggling with a cervicogenic headache?
Cervicogenic headaches are most commonly one-sided, but occasionally may be present on both sides of the head.
Pain often radiates from the base of your skull toward the top of your head and sometimes over your eyes. In rare instances, the pain may travel into your arm. These headache episodes may last from hours to days. The pain is continuous but fluctuating and is often described as "deep." You may also notice chronic neck tenderness and stiffness.
Cervicogenic headache symptoms may be triggered or reproduced by awkward movements and postures.
The condition is more common in patients who have recently experienced trauma, especially a motor vehicle accident or an earlier concussion. The condition often affects middle-aged adults and is more common in women at a rate of four to one. Cervicogenic headaches are sometimes accompanied by poor posture, including a "slouched" or "forward head" posture.
