Headache Can Be Due to a Problem in Your Neck — Cervicogenic Headache
Written By
Dr. Kailash KothariMD Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, FIAPM (Pain Medicine) · 30+ years experience
Common Confusions
Most headaches are labelled and treated as either migraine, without realising that the neck problems can lead to headache commonly.
Understanding the Anatomy
The head receives its sensation from upper cervical nerves. They start in upper neck and travel under the neck muscles to the entire head. The pain usually radiates between upper neck to the top of head and sometimes to the eyes. This pain is not only caused by the cervical nerve but also caused by the joints, muscles and the discs.
Migraine vs Cervicogenic Headache
Migraine is usually a throbbing and aching pain on one side of head and usually accompanied by aura (before migraine pain starts there may be symptoms like heaviness of head, double vision, vomiting, giddiness etc) whereas Cervicogenic headache is a typical pain that starts at the back of the neck and is referred to the head and eyes.
Causes
Cervicogenic headaches are due to abnormality in the upper cervical spine/neck. The causes are many. Most common are cervical facet joint arthritis, disc degeneration, muscle trigger points, post-accident whiplash injury etc. Sometimes this may start in IT professionals due to bad posture affecting neck muscles and joints.
When to Seek Help
Any headache if unresolved and is agonizing till after 6 weeks, should be consulted to a physician.
Conclusion
Cervicogenic headache pain can be efficiently managed if timely counsel is taken.
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Comments (3)
I didn't realize neck issues could lead to such persistent headaches. For those in active recovery, POS Rehab offers support tailored to each patient.
A very informative post that helps readers understand how neck problems can cause persistent headaches. It's helpful for patients who may not realize the source of their pain.
I appreciate this post's effort to raise awareness about how neck problems can trigger headaches. The explanation of symptoms and underlying mechanisms is easy to understand even without a medical background. Great educational content.