Figuring out what causes a headache is difficult. The symptoms of a headache are very similar no matter what the cause: pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound. But if you suffer from recurring headaches, it could possibly be because of pain in an entirely different part of your body. Certain types of neck pain can trick your body to feel like the pain is in your head. 

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Any headache that is being caused by neck pain and back pain is called a cervicogenic headache. This can be caused by swelling or injury to any of the seven vertebrae in your neck, your trapezius muscles in your shoulders, or inflammation of the cervical nerves that cluster on the back of your neck. Possible reasons for this swelling or injury can range from sleeping on your neck the wrong way to more serious injuries like a herniated cervical disc. A pinched nerve in your back can cause what feels like a migraine attack. Even simple stress and tension can trigger a cervicogenic headache, as you hold that tension in your stiffened neck and upper back muscles. 

What Kind of Treatments Can Help?

There are several home remedies for neck pain that may help relieve symptoms. Applied heat, such as a heating pad, can relieve tension and irritation. Lying flat on your back with a tennis ball under your neck can also work on pinched nerves and muscles. Additionally, a few simple neck stretches can help loosen the tense muscles. But if your headaches seem untouchable, or occur frequently, a chiropractic adjustment or nonsurgical decompression may help you get back to a normal, headache-free existence.

Stroud Chiropractic Clinic in Archdale, NC, has been helping their patients live pain-free for over 32 years. Using advanced, cutting -edge technology such as Pro-Adjuster® treatments or cold laser therapy, Dr. Stroud provides real solutions to the daily backaches and neck pains you’ve lived with for too long. Visit them online to learn more about how their laser therapy and other services can help you find pain relief, and call (336) 434-2107 to schedule an appointment.