Headaches & Migraines

The upper neck and craniocervical junction are critical areas that can contribute to headaches and migraines due to their unique anatomy and role in pain modulation. Here’s an overview: 

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• Cervicogenic Headaches: The upper cervical spine (C1-C3) is intricately linked to headache generation through shared neural pathways with the trigeminocervical nucleus. This nucleus processes sensory input from both the upper cervical region and the trigeminal nerve (which innervates much of the face and head). Irritation or dysfunction in the upper cervical joints, muscles, or nerves can lead to referred pain in the head.

• Cranial Nerve Involvement: The occipital nerves, emerging from the upper cervical spine, can become irritated or compressed, leading to occipital neuralgia. This presents as sharp, shooting pain radiating from the base of the skull to the scalp.

• Vascular Contribution: The vertebral arteries, which pass through the transverse foramina of the cervical spine, can be affected by upper neck dysfunction, potentially altering blood flow to the brain. While rare, this can exacerbate migraines or contribute to vascular headaches.

• Muscle and Joint Contribution: Tightness or dysfunction in the suboccipital muscles, which connect the skull to the upper cervical vertebrae, can compress the greater occipital nerve, triggering tension-type headaches or occipital neuralgia.