Have you ever experienced the discomfort of neck pain or the pounding sensation of a headache? You're not alone. These common conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. But did you know that neck pain could actually be the culprit behind those headaches?
In this article, we'll examine the connection between cervical neck pain and headaches. We'll explore how these two issues are intertwined and share some practical tips on managing both.
So, let's embark on this journey together and gain a better understanding of how neck pain can trigger those pesky headaches. We'll also provide insights and straightforward advice to help you find relief. Let's get started on this path toward a pain-free future!
Can Cervical Neck Pain Cause Headaches?
Before we get started, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with some terms. “Cervical neck pain” may be a tad bit redundant. “Cervical” refers to anything related to or associated with the neck region of the body.
Specifically, it pertains to the cervical vertebrae, the seven bones in the neck that form part of your spine. Cervical neck pain would mean neck pain.
But “cervical” can also refer to the cervix (a totally different body part), so we’ll be using “cervical neck pain” from time to time.
Now, to answer your question, yes, “cervical neck pain” can indeed cause headaches. The medical term for these headaches is cervicogenic headache. About 47% of people worldwide experience headaches, and around 15-20% are cervicogenic headaches.
However, according to another journal, cervicogenic headaches are rare, with a prevalence of only 0.4 to 4% among patients with headaches. So the jury’s still out on how common they are.
From the word itself, cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by problems or damage in the neck or cervical spine.
How Can Neck Problems Cause Cervicogenic Headaches?
Neck problems can contribute to headaches through a process known as referred pain. The nerves that travel through the neck also extend into the head and face. Issues with the cervical spine can lead to irritation or compression of the nerves in the neck, specifically the C1-C3 nerves.
These irritated nerves send pain signals to the trigeminocervical nucleus. The trigeminocervical nucleus helps process pain signals from both the head and neck. As a result, the brain may interpret this pain as coming from the head and the eyes.
For example:
- A lesion or injury in the C1 joint nerve is a potential source of pain referred to the head's occipital (back) region.
- Pain from the C2-3 joint nerves is referred to the following regions of the head:
- Occipital (back)
- Frontotemporal (front and side)
- Periorbital (around the eye)
Studies suggest that the C2–3 joints are the most common cause of cervicogenic headaches, accounting for about 70% of cases.
According to a journal, any damage to the neck, such as whiplash or strain, can increase the neck’s sensitivity to pain, making you more prone to severe pain.
As another example, one study of 100 people with chronic neck pain after whiplash found that 27 percent had C2-C3 cervical headaches.
What Does A Cervical Headache Feel Like?
Cervicogenic headaches usually present as:
- Pain on one side of the head or face
- The head pain starts in the neck or the bottom of the skull and spreads to the forehead, temple, or eye on the same side.
- The pain gets worse when you move your neck in certain ways or hold certain positions.
- Feeling stiffness or finding it difficult to move your neck
- Sensing tenderness or soreness in the neck, shoulder, or upper back muscles.
That is a brief overview of how cervicogenic headaches present.
However, doctors actually use a set of clinical criteria that you must meet before you get diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches:
Can Cervicogenic Headaches Be On Both Sides?
Almost all journal articles we found agree that cervicogenic headaches are strictly unilateral. This means they only occur on one side of your head. However, according to one case report, cervicogenic headaches can occur on both sides of your head on rare occasions.
Does A Cervicogenic Headache Affect The Eyes?
As mentioned in the diagnostic criteria, cervicogenic headaches can indeed affect your eyes. They may cause:
- Redness and swelling around the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
It may also be possible that the issue with your neck may be directly causing your neck problems. According to one study, cervical spondylosis can cause visual dysfunction ranging from blurred vision to complete blindness. However, these symptoms may be rare, with only a 3 to 22.4% incidence.
Also, it's important to remember that there could be other reasons for these symptoms. Consulting a doctor can provide peace of mind and help rule out other potential causes.
Are Cervicogenic Headaches Permanent?
The answer is no, cervicogenic headaches are not permanent. However, they can be chronic, occurring frequently and lasting for extended periods. Several factors can contribute to the chronic nature of cervicogenic headaches. These include:
- Poor posture
- Muscle imbalances
- Spinal stenosis
- Nerve compression
- Whiplash injury
But if you get proper treatment for your neck issues, your headaches will eventually disappear.
How Long Do Cervical Headaches Last?
With effective treatment, it’s possible for the pain associated with cervicogenic headaches to resolve within three months.
Can A Cervicogenic Headache Be Cured?
Cervicogenic headaches can be effectively managed. And the good news is that the symptoms can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. However, it's essential to keep in mind that a complete "cure" may not always be within reach.
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of headaches. Another goal is to improve neck function.
The wonderful thing is that various treatment options are available to help alleviate the symptoms and bring relief.
How Do I Alleviate A Cervical Headache?
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to alleviate cervical headaches and improve your quality of life. These include:
- Stretching and exercise
One effective way to alleviate a cervical headache is by stretching your neck and upper back. These stretches can help to loosen up tight muscles and release tension in the area. Exercise may also help you strengthen the muscles that support your neck.
- Practicing proper posture
Improving your posture can also help alleviate cervical headaches. Poor posture can strain your neck and upper back muscles, leading to tension and pain.
Sitting and standing straight with your shoulders back and your head level is essential. If you work at a desk, ensure your workstation is ergonomic and take frequent breaks to stretch and move around.
- Massage
Massage therapy can also help relieve cervical headaches. A massage therapist can work on the muscles in your neck and upper back, helping to loosen them up and reduce tension.
If you don’t have access to a massage therapist, you can self-massage at home with a foam roller or massage ball.
- Heat and Ice
Using heat and ice can also effectively alleviate cervical headaches. Applying a heating pad to your neck and upper back can help relax muscles and increase blood flow.
Ice packs can help to reduce inflammation and pain. You can alternate between heat and ice for a more comprehensive approach.
- Over-the-counter painkillers
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers can be an effective first-line treatment for managing cervicogenic headaches. These can include acetaminophen and NSAIDs
When Is A Cervicogenic Headache Serious?
While most cervicogenic headaches are not serious, there are some signs you should watch out for that can mean a more serious condition. These include:
- Sudden and severe headaches
A sudden and intense headache could indicate a severe condition like a stroke or ruptured blood vessel. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Neurological symptoms
The following could indicate a more serious neurological issue:
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Trouble speaking
- Vision changes
- Problems with walking and balance
- Worsening symptoms
Seek a healthcare professional if your headache becomes:
- Worsens
- More frequent
- More Intense
- Unresponsive to treatment
- Headache after injury
If you develop a headache after a head or neck injury, seek medical attention to rule out a concussion or spinal injury.
- Fever and neck stiffness
If your headache is accompanied by:
- Fever
- A stiff neck
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion
It could be a sign of meningitis which requires immediate medical attention.
What Type Of Doctor Should I See For A Cervicogenic Headache?
If you suffer from cervicogenic headaches, you may wonder what type of doctor you should see for your condition. You may instinctively turn to your primary care physician for help with your headaches. However, it's recommended that you see a specialist who is familiar with these types of headaches.
Here are some of the healthcare professionals who may be able to help you with your cervicogenic headaches:
- Neurologist
A neurologist is a specialist who is trained in diagnosing and treating conditions of the nervous system. These doctors can help you determine if your headaches are caused by nerve issues in your neck.
- Orthopedic Doctor
Orthopedic doctors specialize in conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including the neck. They can evaluate any structural issues in the cervical spine that may be contributing to your headaches.
- Pain Management Specialist
A pain management specialist is trained to treat chronic pain conditions. If you suffer from chronic cervicogenic headaches, a pain management specialist can help you manage your pain.
- Chiropractor
A chiropractor specializes in manipulating the spine to reduce pain and discomfort. If your cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with your neck, a chiropractor may be able to help alleviate your symptoms.
These professionals are trained to identify misalignments in the spine. They then use spinal manipulations to correct them.
- Physical Therapist
Physical therapists specialize in helping you regain function and mobility after an injury or illness. If your headaches are caused by poor posture or muscle weakness in your neck, they can help you to strengthen your neck muscles and reduce pain.
How Are Cervicogenic Headaches Treated?
Treatment options for cervicogenic headaches include:
- Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is considered the first line of treatment for cervicogenic headaches. It aims to improve cervical range of motion, flexibility, and strength. This can help reduce pain and prevent the headache from recurring.
A study found that 72% of patients experienced a decrease in headache frequency of 50% or more after 12 months of physical therapy. Additionally, 42% of patients reported relief of 80% or more from their headaches.
- Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetic medication into the nerves causing the pain. This can provide temporary relief from the headache. You can read more about nerve blocks here. - Radiofrequency neurotomy
Percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy can be used to treat cervicogenic headaches caused by the C2-3 or C3-4 joint.
Radiofrequency neurotomy uses radio waves to heat up certain nerves. This can temporarily stop them from sending pain signals to your brain and relieve cervicogenic headaches.
Radio waves are sent to nerves near the painful area through needles that are stuck through the skin. During radiofrequency neurotomy, a doctor or nurse will often use imaging scans to make sure the needles are in the right place.
In one study, the pain scores of 11 patients significantly decreased six months after undergoing radiofrequency neurotomy.
- Glucocorticoid injection
Some patients may also find relief from intraarticular glucocorticoid injections.
In one report, 18 people with cervicogenic headaches had intraarticular glucocorticoid injections at the C2-3 joint. At 19 months after the injection, 11 patients (61%) had fewer headaches, and 2 patients (11%) were completely pain-free.
Another study looked at 32 patients with cervicogenic headaches caused by pain in the C1-C2 joint. After intraarticular glucocorticoid injections, 26 patients (or 82% of them) reported a decrease in pain of at least 50%. But at six months, there was no significant difference between the pain levels before and after the procedure.
- Surgery
Surgery may be necessary to treat a cervicogenic headache in rare cases. This is usually only recommended if other treatment options have failed.
It is important to note that no definitive cure for cervicogenic headaches exists. However, with the right treatment plan, it is possible to manage the pain and prevent headaches from occurring.
What Are Other Possible Diagnoses For Headaches Caused By Neck Pain?
Headaches caused by neck pain can have various underlying causes. While cervicogenic headaches are one possibility, there are other potential diagnoses to consider. Some other conditions can cause headaches associated with neck pain:
- Tension-type headaches
Tension-type headaches can be triggered by muscle tension and tightness in your neck and upper back. Tension headaches typically cause a mild to moderate dull ache, with a band-like distribution around the head.
- Migraines
Migraine headaches can sometimes be associated with neck pain. These headaches often involve severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. Neck pain can occur before, during, or after a migraine attack.
- Occipital neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia is characterized by irritation of the occipital nerves that run from the base of your skull to your scalp. This can cause intense shooting pain that radiates from the neck to the back of the head and scalp.
- Whiplash-associated headaches
If you've recently been in a car accident or experienced a traumatic event involving sudden head and neck movement, whiplash-associated headaches may occur. These headaches often affect neck pain and stiffness.
Takeaway
Cervical neck pain can cause headaches. When you have problems in your neck, it can irritate the cervical nerves that run from the neck to the head. This irritation can cause referred pain in the head, resulting in headaches. This type of headache is known as a cervicogenic headache.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help you relieve your pain. It’s essential to seek medical advice to receive the best treatment possible.
Don't dismiss your pain, and hope it goes away. Chronic pain can impact your quality of life. Take care of your body and seek relief from your discomfort. You deserve to feel your best and live life to the fullest.
