Headaches & Nerve Pain
Cervicogenic Headache
Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Also called: Neck-related headache.
Cervicogenic headache is typically one-sided, starts at the back of the head or neck, and can be provoked or reproduced by neck movement or sustained neck positions such as looking down at a screen.
It can look similar to other headache types, so the pattern of what brings it on and what settles it — rather than the pain alone — is what helps identify it.
Why this matters
It is one of the headache types most clearly related to what a chiropractic examination looks at, since the neck itself is directly involved in producing the symptom.
Posture during work, sleep position, and prior neck injury are all relevant parts of the history for this type of headache.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Nerves from the upper neck converge with nerves that carry sensation from the head and face at the level of the spinal cord, which is part of why irritation in the neck can be felt as headache.
Examining upper neck joint motion and muscle function alongside reproducing the headache with neck movement is how this convergence is assessed in practice.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Craniofacial Pain — Pain across the head and face with several possible sources.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.