Is Your Headache Coming From Your Neck? Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches in Alpharetta, GA
When headaches keep returning, most people naturally focus on where they feel the pain—their head. But sometimes the source of headache pain may actually be in the neck.
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache associated with a problem involving structures of the cervical spine. Symptoms can sometimes resemble other types of headaches, making the underlying source difficult to recognize without an appropriate evaluation.
At Northeast Chiropractic Center in Alpharetta, Georgia, Dr. Linsey Grant evaluates patients experiencing neck pain, headaches, stiffness and other musculoskeletal complaints to determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
“Cervicogenic” essentially means originating from the cervical region—or neck.
Rather than the headache being the primary disorder, a cervicogenic headache is considered a secondary headache, meaning another condition involving the neck is contributing to the head pain.
Structures that may be involved can include cervical joints and surrounding soft tissues. Because sensory pathways from the upper cervical region interact with pathways carrying sensation from portions of the head, pain originating in the neck can sometimes be perceived as pain in the head.
This phenomenon is known as referred pain.
What Does a Neck-Related Headache Feel Like?
Cervicogenic headaches do not necessarily feel the same in every patient.
Some people notice discomfort beginning near the upper neck or base of the skull before it travels upward. Others primarily notice head pain and may not initially realize that their neck could be involved.
Features that may suggest evaluating the cervical spine include headaches occurring along with:
- Neck stiffness or restricted movement
- Head pain affected by neck position or movement
- Pain beginning around the neck or base of the skull
- Recurrent headaches associated with prolonged sitting or computer work
- Neck discomfort following a previous injury
- Headaches occurring after whiplash or a motor-vehicle collision
These symptoms don’t prove that a headache originates from the neck. They are clues that can help guide an appropriate examination.
Why Can a Problem in the Neck Cause a Headache?
The cervical spine is much more than a stack of bones.
It contains joints, muscles, ligaments and neurological structures that work together whenever you turn, bend or stabilize your head.
The upper cervical region also has neurological connections with pathways responsible for sensation in parts of the head and face.
Because of these overlapping pathways, irritation or dysfunction involving certain cervical structures may sometimes be experienced as pain somewhere else—including the head.
That’s why determining where pain is coming from can be just as important as determining where the patient feels it.
Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migraine
Cervicogenic headaches and migraines are different conditions, although symptoms can sometimes overlap.
Migraines are neurological disorders and can include throbbing or pulsating pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and other neurological symptoms.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from a cervical source.
Another common category is the tension-type headache, which is often described as pressure or tightness around the head.
Some people can experience more than one type of headache.
For that reason, Northeast Chiropractic Center does not assume that every headache is caused by a neck problem or that every person with headaches should receive chiropractic treatment.
The first step is determining whether the examination findings suggest a musculoskeletal component.
Can Neck Movement Provide a Clue?
Sometimes.
A person with a cervicogenic headache may notice that turning, extending or maintaining the neck in a particular position affects the headache.
For example, someone working at a computer for several hours might experience increasing neck stiffness followed by head pain later in the day.
Another person may notice symptoms after spending long periods looking down at a phone or tablet.
That doesn’t mean posture alone caused the headache. Human posture varies considerably, and headaches can have many causes.
But if a particular neck position or movement consistently reproduces symptoms, that information can be clinically useful.
Headaches After Whiplash or a Car Accident
Headaches and neck discomfort can occur after motor-vehicle collisions.
During a whiplash-type injury, the head and neck can move rapidly through acceleration and deceleration forces. This can affect muscles, joints and other tissues within the cervical region.
Some people notice symptoms immediately, while others become more aware of neck stiffness or headaches afterward.
Persistent or worsening symptoms following an accident should be appropriately evaluated rather than automatically assuming they will resolve on their own.
How Does Northeast Chiropractic Center Evaluate Neck Pain and Headaches?
Evaluation begins with understanding the problem.
Dr. Grant may ask about:
- When the headaches started
- Where the pain begins
- How frequently headaches occur
- Whether neck movement changes the symptoms
- Previous neck injuries
- Work and recreational activities
- Previous treatment
- Neurological symptoms
- Factors that improve or worsen the pain
The physical examination may then evaluate cervical movement, joint function, muscle tension, posture and relevant orthopedic or neurological findings.
When clinically necessary, additional evaluation or imaging may be appropriate.
Digital X-rays are not automatically necessary for every patient with headaches. Their use should depend upon the patient’s history and examination findings.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
When the examination indicates that cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms, conservative treatment may be appropriate.
Depending upon the findings, care at Northeast Chiropractic Center may include chiropractic adjustments, mobility work, therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation recommendations or other conservative approaches.
The objective isn’t simply to “adjust a headache.”
The goal is to identify and appropriately address musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
Treatment recommendations should therefore vary from patient to patient rather than following the same predetermined treatment schedule for everyone.
What About the 9-to-5 Alpharetta Workday?
Alpharetta and North Fulton have a large population of professionals who spend significant portions of their workday using computers, phones and multiple screens.
Prolonged sitting doesn’t automatically cause a cervicogenic headache. However, extended periods in one position can be associated with neck stiffness or muscular fatigue in some people.
If headaches frequently occur toward the end of the workday along with neck discomfort, it can be useful to look at both the cervical spine and daily work habits.
Helpful strategies may include changing positions periodically, taking brief movement breaks, adjusting monitor height and incorporating appropriate neck and upper-back movement throughout the day.
When Should a Headache Be Evaluated Medically?
Not every headache belongs in a chiropractic office.
A sudden, unusually severe headache, particularly one that is dramatically different from previous headaches, deserves prompt medical attention.
Headaches accompanied by significant neurological symptoms, weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, serious illness, substantial trauma or other concerning symptoms should also receive appropriate medical evaluation.
Likewise, a new headache pattern or a significant unexplained change in existing headaches should not simply be assumed to be musculoskeletal.
Patient safety comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a problem in my neck really cause a headache?
Yes. Cervicogenic headache is a recognized type of secondary headache in which pain is attributed to a source within the cervical region.
Do I have to have neck pain to have a cervicogenic headache?
Not necessarily. Some people experience prominent neck symptoms, while others primarily notice the headache.
Why does my headache get worse when I turn my neck?
When a headache has a cervical component, certain movements or sustained positions may aggravate symptoms. However, this alone doesn’t establish a diagnosis.
Can sitting at a computer all day contribute to my symptoms?
Prolonged positions may contribute to neck stiffness or muscular fatigue in some individuals. If your headaches consistently occur along with neck symptoms during or after computer work, an evaluation may help determine whether there is a relationship.
Can whiplash cause headaches?
Headaches can occur following whiplash injuries. Persistent headache, neck pain or restricted movement following an accident should be appropriately evaluated.
Do I need X-rays for headaches?
Not automatically. Imaging should be based upon clinical indications identified through your history and examination.
Are migraines and cervicogenic headaches the same thing?
No. Migraine is a neurological disorder, while cervicogenic headache originates from the cervical region. Symptoms can sometimes overlap.
Will a chiropractic adjustment cure my headaches?
There is no single treatment appropriate for every headache. Chiropractic care may be considered when an examination identifies relevant cervical musculoskeletal findings and treatment is clinically appropriate.
Headache and Neck Pain Care in Alpharetta, GA
If you’re experiencing recurring headaches along with neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement, determining whether the cervical spine is contributing may be an important first step.
At Northeast Chiropractic Center, Dr. Linsey Grant provides individualized chiropractic care for patients from Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Duluth and surrounding North Fulton communities.
Start With a Complimentary Consultation
You can begin with a complimentary consultation with Dr. Grant to discuss what’s bothering you and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
If you decide to proceed with care after your consultation, the current new-patient offer is:
Exam + Necessary Digital X-rays + Initial Adjustment — $47
Northeast Chiropractic Center
Dr. Linsey Grant
2650 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 140
Alpharetta, GA 30022
770-451-9494
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation at Northeast Chiropractic Center