Cervicogenic Headache: How Your Neck Could Be Causing Your Pain

What is Cervicogenic Headache?

Cervicogenic headache refers to pain that originates from the neck and radiates to the head. It’s often caused by issues in the cervical spine such as muscle strain, disc degeneration, or joint dysfunction, and can be both painful and debilitating.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headache

• Pain starting in the neck and spreading to one side of the head
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
• Tenderness in the upper back or shoulders
• Nausea and dizziness in some cases

What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?

The common causes include:

• Degenerative Disc Disease: As the cervical discs wear down, they can press on nerves, causing headaches.
• Muscle Tension: Stress or poor posture can lead to muscle strain in the neck, which may trigger headaches.
• Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment of the neck joints can cause nerve compression, leading to pain.
• Trauma or Injury: A previous injury, like whiplash, can contribute to long-term neck issues and cervicogenic headaches.

Serious Causes to Watch Out For

While rare, serious conditions can sometimes be mistaken for cervicogenic headaches, such as:

• Cervical Artery Dissection: A tear in the arteries of the neck, which can lead to stroke-like symptoms.
• Spinal Tumors or Infections: Though uncommon, these can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed.

The Need for Imaging

Imaging, including MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds, is essential for accurately diagnosing the cause of your cervicogenic headache. Without clear imaging, treatment options can be ineffective or inappropriate, leading to wasted resources and prolonged pain.

How We Can Help

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we offer affordable and timely imaging services, providing results in less than one working day. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, we offer a $50 second opinion consultation to explore better solutions.

Why Choose Us?

• Affordable, non-invasive solutions that target the underlying cause of your headaches
• Fast, accurate imaging to clarify your diagnosis
• Medisave and insurance-friendly treatment options

Consider Our Clinic If You Are:

• Tired of ineffective treatments
• Wanting a quick, accurate diagnosis with imaging
• Looking for a second opinion before committing to surgery