It’s understandable if, when you have a headache, you’re more focused on relief than knowing what’s causing the pain. However, a long-term solution often depends on the source of discomfort.
That’s why, when treating cervicogenic headaches (those originating from the spine), Dr. Jonathan Koning at ReGen Pain Management in Plano, Texas, works to diagnose and treat the spinal condition causing your pain.
Read more from our team regarding cervicogenic headaches, their causes, and how we treat them.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the cervical spine (neck). That’s the spine's shortest, most mobile, and most crowded area.
The cervical spine contains seven small vertebrae that start at the base of your skull. The first is the C1 vertebra or atlas. Next comes the C2 vertebra or axis. The C3-C7 vertebrae complete the cervical spine, leading to where the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back) begins.
Other structures in the cervical spine include facet joints that connect the vertebrae, intervertebral discs that provide cushioning and support between the vertebrae, and nerve roots that control sensation and movement in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Problems in these spinal structures can lead to neck pain and stiffness. These issues can also irritate and inflame nerves exiting the spine, sometimes leading to debilitating cervicogenic headaches.
Common causes of cervicogenic headaches include:
Occipital neuralgia is another type of headache disorder caused by occipital nerve inflammation. These nerves provide sensation to the scalp, face, and jaw.
Anyone can develop occipital neuralgia, but individuals with diabetes, gout, degenerative disc disease, and vasculitis are more at risk.
Treatment at ReGen Pain Management begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and advanced imaging to identify whether a problem in your cervical spine is causing your head pain.
Based on the evaluation, we develop a treatment strategy tailored to your needs. This plan may include:
If your head pain is related to your spine, we can take steps to help you find relief.
For an expert diagnosis and treatment of cervicogenic headaches, contact ReGen Pain Management today to schedule an evaluation.
