For those who suffer from neck pain and headaches, you know that is not a fun combination. Many may not be aware of just how often neck pain and headaches go together. At times the headache may actually come from the neck even though they do not have neck pain at that moment. This type is called a cervicogenic headache. Routinely people try treating this type of headache with medication. For some that may work (temporarily), but for many it does not. It leaves them searching for answers. The answer can be elusive to both the individual and treating medical professionals.

Those living with regular headaches may be asking, how do I know if the headache comes from the neck? Well, there are a few common elements that suggest a headache may have its origin in the neck. To begin with is the headache pattern. Typically, these headaches will wrap from the base of the skull up and around the side of the head. Often this occurs on one side but could be either or both at once. Next, these headaches tend to be produced with head/neck movement or position. Those who spend hours on end working at a computer poking their head forward to look at a screen tend to be prone. This can result in a tightening of the muscles at the base of the skull which is a known trigger. Additionally, people who find when they move their head in a particular direction that increased pressure or pain start. Finally, when taking medication does not help alleviate the headache, the origin may be cervicogenic in nature.

So now that you know what a cervicogenic headache looks like and what can cause them, the next question is what can be done to relieve them? Most often the answer will be movement. This means changing posture or position more regularly. It can also mean performing regular movements or exercises. Just what these movements or exercises are will be dependent on exactly what spot needs to move. This can/will be most easily determined by a muscle and joint expert. This person will be able to determine the best plan of action, which likely will include hands-on treatments, active exercise, and potentially dry needling. When a multi-modal approach is taken, the end results tends to come much faster for the individual.

Not sure where to begin?

Click the following LINK to request a personalized consult with a muscle and joint expert who will be able to provide a path forward to now longer suffering with neck pain and headaches, which we know is not a fun combination.