Could Your Headaches Be Coming From Your Neck?

Do you suffer with reoccurring headaches? Do you also experience neck pain? Have you had various tests but still have no definitive reason as to why they are present? Do you feel as though the headache may be stemming from your neck. Do your headaches change if you apply pressure into the muscles of your neck or shoulder? If so, you could be dealing with a cervicogenic headache.

Unlike typical headaches, cervicogenic headaches have their roots in issues within the cervical spine and can be both mysterious and debilitating. The intricate relationship between neck problems and headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches, is often overlooked. It’s not uncommon for people to undergo numerous tests and investigations focusing on other potential causes, such as migraines or tension headaches, while the neck remains unexplored.

The neck plays a pivotal role in headache genesis, and problems in this region can manifest as persistent, recurring head pain. Conditions like muscle tension, poor posture, cervical spine abnormalities, or injuries may contribute to cervicogenic headaches. Unfortunately, because the symptoms overlap with other headache types, the connection to the neck can be easily missed.

Cervicogenic headaches are a unique subset of headaches that have their roots in the cervical spine, or the neck region. Unlike tension headaches or migraines, cervicogenic headaches originate from structural issues in the neck, including the cervical vertebrae, muscles, nerves, and soft tissues. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of cervicogenic headaches is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

One of the challenges in identifying cervicogenic headaches lies in their similarity to other common headache types. Migraines, for example, often share symptoms such as sensitivity to light and nausea, making it essential to distinguish between them. Tension headaches, on the other hand, can mimic the one-sided pain associated with cervicogenic headaches. By exploring the unique features of cervicogenic headaches, we aim to shed light on their distinctiveness within the spectrum of head pain.

The neck, consisting of seven vertebrae, plays a crucial role in supporting the head and facilitating its movement. Ligaments, muscles, and nerves in this region are intricately connected, and disruptions in any of these components can contribute to the development of cervicogenic headaches. A detailed exploration of this anatomy provides a foundation for understanding the mechanisms at play.

One of the primary culprits behind cervicogenic headaches is neck injuries and trauma. Whether resulting from a car accident, a fall, or sports-related activities, such incidents can lead to structural damage within the cervical spine. Strains, sprains, or even more severe injuries may disturb the delicate balance of the neck, initiating a cascade of events that can manifest as persistent headaches.

Modern lifestyles often entail prolonged hours spent in front of screens, contributing to muscle tension and poor posture. The neck, being particularly susceptible to these strains, may develop muscle imbalances or tightness. Such tension can give rise to cervicogenic headaches, emphasising the importance of having your desk set up correctly or even better utilising a standing desk.

Cervical spine pathologies

Anomalies in the cervical spine, such as degenerative changes, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis are a common contributor to cervicogenic headaches. These structural irregularities impact the nerves and surrounding tissues, triggering pain signals that manifest as headaches. Understanding these spinal abnormalities is key to addressing the root causes of cervicogenic headaches.

Trigger Points

Within the intricate network of muscles in the neck and shoulders, trigger points—localised areas of muscle tightness and tenderness—can play a pivotal role in cervicogenic headaches.

In the neck, trigger points can manifest in specific muscle groups, such as the trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles. These knots can refer pain to other areas, meaning that the discomfort experienced in the head during cervicogenic headaches may be directly linked to the presence of trigger points in the neck.

Trigger points in the neck can contribute to cervicogenic headaches through several mechanisms. They may cause local pain and tension, restrict range of motion, and even lead to referred pain patterns that radiate to the head. Additionally, the muscles containing trigger points may become chronically tight, contributing to an ongoing cycle of headache recurrence.

Individuals with trigger points in the neck that are causing cervicogenic headaches often experience changes in headache symptoms based on the application of pressure.

Cervicogenic headaches present a unique set of symptoms that distinguish them from other types of headaches. A distinctive characteristic of cervicogenic headaches is their tendency to cause one-sided pain. Unlike some other headache types that may involve both sides of the head, cervicogenic headaches often originate on one side and radiate towards the forehead, temples, or around the eyes.

Neck pain and stiffness are integral components of cervicogenic headaches. Individuals experiencing these headaches commonly report discomfort in the neck, often described as a deep, aching pain. The stiffness may extend beyond the neck, affecting the upper back and shoulders

In addition to the primary symptoms of one-sided pain, neck discomfort, and radiating patterns, cervicogenic headaches may be accompanied by various associated symptoms. Nausea, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (phonophobia) are examples of secondary symptoms that can further characterize the headache experience.

Addressing cervicogenic headaches often involves a combination of professional interventions and effective at-home remedies. Treatment for cervicogenic headaches usually incorporates a variety of manual therapy techniques. Physiotherapists will often employ methods such as, deep tissue massage, myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, and manual stretching to specifically target muscle tightness, alleviate trigger points, and enhance overall neck function. This hands-on approach aims to reduce tension, improve flexibility, and provide fast relief from the symptoms associated with cervicogenic headaches and there will usually be a significant improvement in headaches after just a coiple of treatments.

Other key strategies for managing cervicogenic headaches involve the implementation of neck rehabilitation exercises aimed at improving neck stability and posture. These targeted exercises focus on strengthening key neck muscles to support proper alignment and reduce the risk of tension-related headaches.

Furthermore, ergonomic adjustments, both at home and in the workplace, play a vital role. Ensuring a supportive workstation, optimising chair and desk heights, and practicing good ergonomics contribute significantly to reducing strain on the neck and minimising the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches.

In cases where cervicogenic headaches are identified and addressed through physiotherapy, individuals often experience a rapid and dramatic change in headache intensity and frequency. These targeted treatments provided by physiotherapists, including manual therapy, exercises, and posture correction, can yield significant improvements in a relatively short time. However, it’s essential to note that if there is no discernible improvement after 2-3 physiotherapy sessions, or if the headaches persist, it becomes imperative to explore alternative avenues for a comprehensive evaluation.

The Sharp Physiotherapy Team