If you get headaches that are related to the neck pain you suffer from, there is a chance these are called cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are actually considered secondary headaches, because it is not the head causing them. They are actually caused by problems with your neck, and they can be treated through chiropractic care. Here are three things to know about these types of headaches.

They Can Seem Like Migraines

When you have chronic headaches, it can be hard to determine what is causing them, especially if they mimic migraines. A cervicogenic headache is not the same thing as a migraine; however, it can seem like one, because the symptoms are very similar. Some of the symptoms you might have include:

• Throbbing pain in your head, behind your eyes, and in your temples
• Sensitivity to light
• Feelings of nausea
• Dizziness
• Pain in your arms

In addition, you might feel stiffness, tenderness, or pain in your neck. If you truly have cervicogenic headaches, they can be relieved through a spinal adjustment from a chiropractor.

What Causes Them

The root cause of cervicogenic headaches is misalignment of the cervical part of your spine, which is your neck.  Your neck is designed with a forward curve, and this curve is there to hold your head in place. If you suffer from trauma to the neck or have osteoarthritis, it can cause your neck to shift. In addition, your posture and the way you sleep can lead to problems in your neck too.

When these problems exist, they not only cause the bones to shift and change in the neck, but they also prevent your body's central nervous system from functioning properly. In other words, this disrupts the nerve communication between your spine and your brain.

How Chiropractic Helps

When a chiropractor adjusts your neck, it results in several things:

• It loosens the muscles – When the muscles in your neck tighten, it leads to pain.
• It allows nerve function – An adjustment also allows the nerves to function, because the bones are moved slightly, which opens up the gaps between your vertebrae.

If you suffer from cervicogenic headaches, visiting a chiropractor monthly may reduce the severity and number of headaches you experience. The best part about this is that chiropractic care is completely natural.

If you would like to find out if this is the cause of your headaches, you may want to find a chiropractor in your area and schedule an appointment.