Overview
Headaches and neck pain represent some of the most common causes of chronic pain. The neck is also known as the cervical spine and is composed of seven small bones, muscles, and intervertebral discs that together hold up your head and help it move with ease. Picture a bowling ball held up all day by your fingertips and that image should provide an idea of what the cervical spine does. Thus, even a small change in the relationship between the discs, bones, and muscles can cause debilitating pain and restrict mobility. In addition to musculoskeletal neck pain, headaches are another common pain complaint in this region. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment as there are many types and causes. Treatment for a musculoskeletal headache such as tension headaches differ greatly from neurovascular syndromes such as migraine headache.
At Align Spine and Pain, we will partner with you to identify the correct diagnosis. This personalized process begins by understanding your unique experience, taking a thorough history and performing a detailed exam. We strive to provide each patient with hope and optimism as we work together to return them to their best.
Patient Resources
Conditions We Treat
- Cervical facet syndrome
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Cervicalgia
- Cervicogenic headache
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated disc
- Migraine
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Occipital neuralgia
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Post laminectomy syndrome
- Tension headache
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Whiplash injuries
Possible Symptoms
- Localized neck pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Radiating pain
- Limited or painful range of motion
- Swelling
- Rash
- Popping or cracking sounds with neck motion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photophobia
- Phonophobia
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor sleep
- Numbness or tingling
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
