Not Every Headache Is the Same
Headache is a broad term that includes many different conditions, and the type of headache matters when determining what kind of care may be appropriate. Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause moderate to severe head pain along with symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, and other neurological symptoms.
Other headaches may be associated with tension, injury, medication use, illness, or problems involving the neck. Because several headache disorders can produce similar symptoms, recurring or changing headaches deserve an appropriate evaluation rather than assuming they all have the same cause.
When the Neck May Be Part of the Problem
Some headaches originate from structures in the cervical spine and are referred to the head. These are known as cervicogenic headaches. They may occur alongside neck pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion and can sometimes resemble other headache disorders.
At Innovative Medical Center, our role is to evaluate whether musculoskeletal factors involving the neck, joints, posture, movement, or a previous injury may be contributing to your symptoms. When those factors are present, conservative services such as chiropractic care or functional rehabilitation may be considered as part of your care. If your symptoms suggest that neurological or other medical evaluation is more appropriate, we believe that should be addressed as well.
Headache Symptoms & Related Conditions We Evaluate
The location of your pain, accompanying symptoms, how frequently headaches occur, what triggers them, and whether neck movement affects the pain can all provide useful information. A person experiencing migraine with light sensitivity and nausea may require a very different approach from someone whose headache begins in the neck after an auto accident.
Depending on what you are experiencing, you may also want to learn more about:
- Neck Pain – stiffness, reduced mobility, arthritis, or other cervical problems may accompany certain headache patterns
- Cervicogenic Headaches – head pain that originates from a problem involving the cervical spine or surrounding structures
- Auto Injury – whiplash and other accident-related neck injuries can be associated with headaches following a collision
- Pinched Nerves – irritation involving nerves in or around the cervical spine can produce neck and radiating symptoms that require evaluation
- Back & Spine Conditions – spinal and musculoskeletal concerns may influence posture, movement, and overall function
- Chiropractic Care – may be considered when examination findings indicate a musculoskeletal or cervical component to the patient’s symptoms
- Physiotherapy & Functional Rehabilitation – may address mobility, strength, posture, and movement limitations when appropriate
Not every headache has a musculoskeletal cause, and not every patient with migraine is a candidate for the services offered at IMC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraines & Headaches
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring attacks that can involve moderate to severe headache pain and other symptoms.
Migraine pain is often throbbing or pulsing and may occur on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and visual or sensory symptoms can also occur.
Is every severe headache a migraine?
No.
There are many different types and causes of headaches. Migraine has characteristic symptoms, but tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache, medication-overuse headache, and other primary or secondary headache disorders can also cause significant pain.
An appropriate diagnosis is important because different headache disorders are managed differently.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is head pain that originates from a problem involving the neck or cervical spine.
Patients may experience neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headache pain that can worsen with certain neck movements. Because cervicogenic headache can resemble migraine or other headache disorders, careful evaluation is important.
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes, certain headache disorders can originate from structures in the neck.
Cervicogenic headache is one example. Injuries, arthritis, and other cervical spine problems can contribute to referred pain that is experienced in the head.
However, neck pain can also occur during migraine, so having neck pain does not automatically mean the headache originates from the neck.
Can migraine cause neck pain?
Yes.
Neck pain is commonly reported by people with migraine and may occur as part of a migraine attack. That is different from cervicogenic headache, where the headache itself originates from a cervical spine problem.
Can chiropractic care help with headaches?
Chiropractic care may be considered when examination findings suggest that joint mobility, neck function, or other musculoskeletal factors are relevant to the patient’s headache symptoms.
It should not be presented as a universal treatment or cure for migraine. Migraine is a neurological disease and may require medical or neurological management.
Can a car accident cause headaches?
Yes. Headaches can occur following neck injuries such as whiplash after a motor vehicle collision.
If headaches begin after an accident, the circumstances of the injury and any associated neck pain, dizziness, neurological symptoms, or other concerns should be evaluated.
When should recurring headaches be evaluated?
Headaches that are frequent, worsening, changing in character, interfering with daily life, or accompanied by new symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Evaluation is particularly important when someone develops a new type of headache or their usual headache pattern changes.
When is a headache an emergency?
Seek emergency medical care for a sudden, extremely severe headache, especially one that reaches maximum intensity very quickly, or for a headache accompanied by concerning neurological or systemic symptoms.
Sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of consciousness, severe dizziness, significant vision changes, fever with neck stiffness, or headache following significant head trauma may require urgent evaluation. A sudden “thunderclap” headache can be associated with serious underlying conditions and should be evaluated promptly.
Should I keep a headache diary?
A headache diary can be useful for tracking when headaches occur, how long they last, accompanying symptoms, possible triggers, and what treatments were used.
This information can help you and your healthcare providers identify patterns and better understand your headache condition.
What can trigger a migraine?
Migraine triggers vary from person to person.
Changes in sleep, stress, skipped meals, dehydration, hormonal changes, certain foods or environmental factors may be associated with attacks in some individuals. Identifying patterns can sometimes be useful as part of migraine management.
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