The Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches
There are plenty of reasons you may be suffering from a headache but did you know that headaches can
come from your neck too? Whether it is from diet, trauma/injury, stress or everyday activities, tight and
sore muscles in the neck can be the main culprit for your headaches (or a significant contributing factor).
Read our article below to better understand the connection between your neck pain and your headaches.
The head and neck are connected by a nerve structure called the cervical plexus. This is eight nerves that
stem of the spinal cord into the head and neck. Pain from your neck can radiate along these nerves, which
can cause your headache.
The neck and the back of the head are also connected by muscles. These muscles are called the sub occipital
muscles. Tightness or injury to the sub occipital muscles can cause both neck pain and headaches.
What issues can affect these muscles?
• Forward head posture
• Whiplash
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Strained muscles
• Head trauma
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a neck problem that translates into head pain. This is considered referred pain
(when you feel pain in a different area of your body other than the source of the problem). If you’ve ever
experienced a headache after whiplash, you might have had a cervicogenic headache.
Other causes include:
• Arthritis in the neck.
• Neck fractures.
• Pinched nerves.
• Slipped disks.
• Strained or sprained neck muscles.
Cervicogenic headaches have some unique traits that may clue you in. These headaches usually hurt on one
side of the head. They start around the base of your skull and radiate up one side.
Your neck may also give you some hints. Limited ability to move your neck or head is a key sign. Your
headache may even get worse when you move your neck.
Look into Proper Ergonomics
A major injury isn’t the only trigger for these headaches. If your desk or office chair causes you to slouch or strain, you could get a cervicogenic headache. When you sit at a desk too long, you may have your neck
fixed down or you might arch your back while you’re sitting. This can also bring on a cervicogenic
headache. Focus on keeping your back and neck straight while you sit. Make sure you’re not bending
forward. Ask Dr. Dietzen more about setting up your office space to help ensure your spine is in the proper
position at all times.
Find a Great Chiropractor
Most people associate chiropractic care with headaches, neck pain and back pain. Studies have continuously
shown that gentle manipulation of the spine can ease neck pain, increase spine health, reduce degenerative
disc disease, and ease the painful symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
Benefits of regular adjustments include:
• Restoring proper alignment in your spine and neck
• Relaxing the muscles in your neck and back
• Reducing tension and strain
• Improving mobility/range of motion
• Increasing circulation
• Decreasing inflammation
We have had a lot of success in providing relief for our patients that suffer from chronic headaches.
For questions or comments contact:
Dr. Fred Dietzen
Evoke Spinal Care
140 Gregory Lane, Suite 195
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 523-1022
www.EvokeSpinalCare.com
Take advantage of all the benefits cold laser therapy has to offer today!
$65 a Session or $450 for a 10 Pack Series
Not sure if you need one or more laser treatment? Talk to Dr. Fred for more information.
Source: Could Your Headaches Be Connected to Your Neck Pain?
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