The Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches
Bottom Line:
YES, YOU HAVE A HEADACHE……but is it your head that’s actually causing it? Could it be your neck causing the issue?
Your neck pain and tension felt while at work, in front of the computer, while driving, watching television, texting, can very well be linked to the headaches you get while at work, looking at the computer, driving, while watching television, or while texting.
A headache that starts from an issue in the neck is called a cervicogenic headache. A cervicogenic headache is characterized by a dull pain that radiates from the neck to the back of the head. At times it may spread around the side or front of your head.
The abnormal positioning of the cervical (neck) spine can cause abnormal stresses on all the structures within the spine, but mostly the muscles. Some of these muscles are so small they can be compared to the size of your
Why it Matters:
Cervicogenic headaches are common if you spend long hours at the computer each day. They can even be caused by looking down at your phone or driving. Ever notice that everything we do in the 21st century is conveniently placed right in front of our faces?!?! How often do you look up, or extend your neck, completely throughout the day?
Unless there’s a UFO, a shooting start, or a firework display…..probably never. Any other good examples of reasons why we may look up?
Neck stiffness and tender muscles around your head and shoulders often come along with cervicogenic headaches because of the position that many of us sit in all day.
That added stress and strain on your upper back and neck muscles adds up. Think about all the hours spent in that position! Without taking proactive steps to address the cause, you may notice that the headaches become more frequent and intense.
From eating breakfast, brushing your teeth, drinking your coffee, driving your morning commute, sitting at work on a computer, driving back home, eating dinner, watching TV, brushing your teeth.
Looks like a pretty normal weekday for most. Where in that sequence are we not focused intently on the activities happening in front of us? Many with our arms reaching out in front as well?
Keep this in mind...
· Cervicogenic headaches can begin due to tightness in the shoulders, a stiff neck, or poor posture.
· Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.
· Over 70% of people with cervicogenic headaches find significant relief with chiropractic adjustments.
Next Steps:
To break the cycle of daily cervicogenic headaches, you need to address the underlying cause.
Staying well hydrated (with water!), stretching at least every hour, and setting your workstation up ergonomically are all important to reduce your headache risk.
If you still notice that headaches are bugging you, or you’re experiencing neck pain or limited neck range of motion, call us for a complete evaluation so we can create a plan of care to help you not only get well, but stay well!
Dalton Sealey DC, CSCS
ProMove Chiropractic & Performance
402.915.4901
drsealey@promovechiropractic.com
Science Source(s):
Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Cervicogenic Headache: a Single-Blinded, Placebo, Randomized Controlled Trial.BioMed Central.2017