While headaches occur for many reasons, some can be a result of neck pain and stiffness in the upper spine; conventional treatments, such as pain medication, may not offer relief. The following guide explains how headaches and the spine are actually linked, as well as your treatment options.

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches—also known as secondary headaches—result from neck and spine issues; however, the pain in the head, much like a traditional headache. Along with common symptoms, cervicogenic headaches are often localized to just one side, limit movement in the neck, and become more painful after movement.

Neck pain can be caused by a range of issues that affect the upper cervical spine. For instance, pain can be caused by arthritis, physical injury, and in rare cases, tumors or infections. Nerve blocks are often used to diagnose cervicogenic headaches, which entail numbing specific structures in the neck to see if the pain is relieved.

How Are They Treated?

Physical therapy is a popular option to treat headaches originating from the upper spine. Chiropractic care is one facet of physical therapy that has provided relief to many people. If neck structures are stiff, spinal manipulation can relieve tightness and ease tension. Chiropractors also offer pain relief by releasing endorphins, a bodily chemical that naturally reduces pain. Exercise will also help strengthen the neck structures, protecting them from strain and injury.

Frequent headaches can disrupt your daily life. If your discomfort is caused by neck or back pain, the team at Get Well Family Chiropractic is here to lend a hand. Based in St. Louis County, MO, their chiropractors utilize advanced tools and knowledge to get to the bottom of neck pain, back pain, and headaches and offer effective treatment solutions. Their contact reflex analysis technique employs spinal adjustments with nutritional guidance and pressure point therapy to set the body back into balance. If you want to learn more about their back and neck pain treatment services, visit them online. You can also schedule an initial appointment by calling (314) 524-2580 today.