Headaches are common, but that does not mean you have to simply accept them as a normal part of life.
For some people, headaches occur along with neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement. In certain cases, the neck may be one factor contributing to the headache.
This type of headache is sometimes called a cervicogenic headache.
At Fresh Start Chiropractic in Linwood, NJ, we evaluate the spine and nervous system as part of looking for factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. The goal is not simply to chase the headache, but to understand how the neck and spine are moving and functioning.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures in the cervical spine, or neck.
The pain is often felt in the back of the head, forehead, temple or around the eye. It may occur on one side and can sometimes be associated with neck pain or restricted neck movement.
Not every headache is cervicogenic, and headaches can have many different causes. That is why an appropriate evaluation is important.
How Can Neck Problems Be Related to Headaches?
The neck contains joints, muscles and sensory receptors that provide information to the nervous system about movement and position.
When the neck becomes stiff or its normal movement is altered, the surrounding structures can be affected.
Poor posture, prolonged computer or phone use, repetitive activities, driving, sleeping position, exercise and previous injuries can all contribute to changes in how the neck moves.
For some people, improving cervical spine movement and function may be one part of addressing headaches that are associated with the neck.
What Does a Headache From the Neck Feel Like?
A headache associated with the neck may be accompanied by:
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Reduced ability to turn or move the neck
• Pain that begins around the neck or back of the head
• Pain that travels toward the forehead or temple
• Headache that is aggravated by certain neck movements
• Tightness in the neck or upper shoulder area
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a headache is coming from the neck. A proper evaluation is important, particularly if headaches are new, changing or severe.
Can Chiropractic Care Help Headaches?
Research suggests that spinal manipulation can be helpful for some types of headaches, particularly certain people with migraine or cervicogenic headache. The appropriate approach depends on the individual and the type of headache.
At Fresh Start Chiropractic, care may include chiropractic adjustments along with other techniques designed to improve spinal movement and function.
Depending on the patient, care may include manual or instrument-assisted adjustments, drop-table techniques, SOT blocks, muscle work and other approaches when appropriate.
The goal is not to promise that every headache will disappear. The goal is to determine whether problems with spinal movement and function may be contributing to the person’s overall condition.
Headaches, the Neck and the Nervous System
Your neck is closely connected to your nervous system.
The joints and muscles of the cervical spine contain sensory receptors that continually provide information to the brain about movement and position.
That means the health and movement of the spine are about more than simply whether something hurts.
At Fresh Start Chiropractic, we believe spinal health is an important part of overall health because the spine protects and works closely with the nervous system.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?
Consider having your spine and neck evaluated if you regularly experience headaches along with:
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Restricted neck movement
• Headaches associated with certain neck positions or movements
• Recurring headaches
• Headaches that interfere with work, exercise, sleep or daily activities
• A history of neck injury or trauma
A chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether the neck and spine may be contributing factors and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
When Should a Headache Be Evaluated Medically?
Not every headache should be treated as a chiropractic problem.
A sudden, extremely severe headache, a headache following a significant injury, or a headache accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, fainting, seizure, significant weakness, difficulty speaking or new vision problems requires prompt medical evaluation.
New or substantially different headaches should also be discussed with an appropriate medical professional.
Chiropractic Care Is About More Than Treating Pain
Many people first discover chiropractic because something hurts.
But spinal health does not have to begin with pain.
Think about brushing your teeth. You do not brush your teeth only when they hurt. You do it regularly because maintaining your health is easier than waiting for a problem to develop.
The same concept can apply to your spine.
Regular chiropractic care may be part of a long-term approach to maintaining healthy spinal movement and function.
Looking for a Chiropractor for Headaches in Northfield or Linwood, NJ?
If you are experiencing headaches along with neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement, Fresh Start Chiropractic can evaluate your spinal health and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
We serve patients throughout Linwood, Northfield, Egg Harbor Township and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Fresh Start Chiropractic
6 Shore Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
609-926-8900
Your health is something you build—not something you wait until you lose.