Why your headache probably starts in your neck

Cervicogenic headaches — caused by problems in the cervical spine — are among the most common and most undertreated types. The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, and the upper three cervical vertebrae (C1, C2, C3), all have direct neurological connections to the trigeminal nerve — the primary pain pathway for head pain.

When these upper cervical structures are under stress — from misalignment, tension, or injury — they refer pain into the head, temples, forehead, and behind the eyes. Many patients are diagnosed with tension headaches or migraines when the actual source is structural and directly treatable.

Our INSiGHT scan assesses nerve function at each cervical level, helping us identify whether your headaches have a spinal source — and treat accordingly rather than masking symptoms with pain medication.

Headache Types We Treat