If you’re dealing with persistent headaches, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to find the cause of their headaches and, more importantly, a solution. Two of the most common types of headaches—cervicogenic headaches and migraines—can feel similar but have very different underlying causes.
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we see patients with these types of headaches regularly. Knowing the difference between cervicogenic headaches and migraines can be crucial for effective treatment, allowing us to address the root cause rather than simply managing symptoms.
Let’s dive into what sets these headaches apart, how they manifest, and what you can do about them.
Cervicogenic Headaches: The Headache from Your Neck
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic headaches are often called “secondary headaches,” meaning they’re caused by issues elsewhere in the body—typically the neck. This type of headache is particularly common among those who have poor posture, experience muscle tightness, or have suffered a neck injury.
Essentially, a cervicogenic headache stems from a dysfunction in the neck’s joints, muscles, or nerves. While the pain is felt in the head, the source is actually the neck.
Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches can be tricky to diagnose because they mimic other types of headaches. Here’s a list of common symptoms:
- Pain typically starts at the back of the head and can radiate to the front.
- Pain is usually on one side, although it can occur on both sides.
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion.
- Pain that worsens with specific neck movements or positions.
- Sensitivity to light and sound may be present but is usually mild.
Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are often linked to issues such as:
- Poor posture: Sitting at a desk all day or looking down at a screen can put undue stress on the neck muscles and joints.
- Muscle tension: Stress and repetitive movements can cause muscle tightness, which may lead to cervicogenic headaches.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash, sports injuries, or even a poor night’s sleep can contribute to neck pain, which can then lead to headaches.
- For individuals who lift weights, cycle, or participate in activities that place strain on the upper body, these headaches are common.
At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we frequently see patients who engage in CrossFit, running, or other physically demanding activities and unknowingly put stress on their neck.
How We Address Cervicogenic Headaches at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness
When you visit E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, our goal is not only to treat your pain but to identify the underlying cause and prevent it from recurring. Our approach may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment to your neck and upper spine.
- Treatment Via The McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT) to reduce pain and give our patients home care exercises.
- Treatment Via Neurodynamics to reduce compression of nerves at the base of the skull.
- Posture correction exercises to reduce neck strain.
- Soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Ergonomic advice for work and home, particularly if you sit for long periods.
By addressing the root cause, we can often reduce or even eliminate cervicogenic headaches for many patients.
Migraines: When Your Brain is Under Attack
What is a Migraine?
Migraines are a type of primary headache, meaning they’re not caused by another condition. Unlike cervicogenic headaches, migraines originate within the brain itself and involve a complex interplay of neurological and vascular factors.
Migraines can be intensely painful, sometimes debilitating, and they often come with additional symptoms that make them difficult to manage.
Symptoms of Migraines
Migraine symptoms are generally more severe and varied than those of cervicogenic headaches. Here’s what you might experience with a migraine:
- Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head.
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Aura (visual disturbances such as flashes of light or blind spots) that can occur before the pain begins.
- Fatigue, mood changes, or brain fog that can persist even after the headache subsides.
Causes of Migraines
While the exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, several factors can trigger or contribute to them, including:
Genetics: Migraines often run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
Hormonal changes: Many people report migraines linked to hormonal shifts, particularly during menstruation.
Dietary triggers: Certain foods, caffeine, and alcohol can trigger migraines.
Stress and sleep disruptions: Migraines can be triggered by changes in routine, lack of sleep, or excessive stress.
Migraines can be triggered by physical activity, but they’re more often linked to lifestyle factors. Although chiropractic care doesn’t “cure” migraines, it can provide relief and help with management, particularly if tension or posture issues play a role.
However, if the trigger of the migraine is a cervicogenic headache, Chiropractic treatment can be extremely effective for migraine sufferers.
How E3 Chiropractic + Wellness Helps with Migraines
While migraines are a complex neurological condition, chiropractic care can be beneficial in managing some migraine symptoms:
- Spinal adjustments to alleviate tension and improve posture.
- Lifestyle and dietary advice to identify and avoid potential triggers.
- Relaxation techniques and recommendations for stress management, which can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Our approach at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness focuses on empowering you with the tools to manage migraines. Through regular care, many patients find their migraines become less frequent and less intense.
How to Tell the Difference Between Cervicogenic Headaches and Migraines
While cervicogenic headaches and migraines can share some similarities, understanding a few key differences can help you determine which type you’re experiencing:
Location of Pain
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Typically start in the neck or base of the skull and may spread to the front of the head.
- Migraines: Often affect one side of the head and are generally more centralized around the temples or behind the eyes.
Pain Characteristics
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Dull, aching pain that’s often aggravated by neck movements.
- Migraines: Throbbing or pulsing pain that’s usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or aura.
Response to Movement
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Worsen with specific neck movements or prolonged postures.
- Migraines: Physical activity can intensify pain, but specific neck movements don’t typically influence the severity.
Additional Symptoms
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Mild light or sound sensitivity; neck stiffness.
- Migraines: Nausea, vomiting, aura, and severe sensitivity to light and sound.
If you’re unsure which type of headache you’re experiencing, a professional assessment can help. At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we provide a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.
Seeking Relief with E3 Chiropractic + Wellness
Headaches can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to focus on work, enjoy time with family, or participate in activities you love.
The team at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness is dedicated to helping you understand the cause of your headaches and providing effective, personalized solutions to relieve and prevent them. As a trusted Saskatoon Chiropractor clinic, we’re here to support your journey to a healthier, pain-free life.
If you’re struggling with headaches, don’t wait for them to disrupt your routine. Contact us at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness and let us help you regain control. Whether you’re dealing with cervicogenic headaches, migraines, or another form of head pain, we’re here to guide you to relief.
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Let us help you empower yourself and enhance your health so that you may excel in the activities you love.
