Can a Neck Injury Cause Headaches?

Can a Neck Injury Cause Headaches?

Headaches can have many causes, from eye strain to head injuries. Neck injuries are another common source of headaches. The types of headaches associated with the neck are slightly different from those originating in the head.

Headaches caused by neck injuries are called cervicogenic headaches. They can be caused by problems with the nerves, bones, or muscles in your neck. Many different neck issues can cause these headaches, ranging from mild issues to severe injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of Headaches Associated With the Neck?

Cerviogenic headaches can often feel like migraines. There are a few key differences, however. The most crucial difference is that the pain can be associated with your neck.

The most common symptoms of neck-related headaches are:

• Pain on one side of your head or face (versus both sides, like tension headaches)
• Stiff or sore neck
• Pain around the eyes (similar to a sinus headache)
• Pain when coughing or sneezing
• Headache occurring primarily with specific postures or movements

Other symptoms sometimes occur with these types of headaches. The other symptoms are what make neck-related headaches feel like migraines. They don’t happen in everyone, however.

Other symptoms that sometimes occur:

• Noise sensitivity
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision
• Upset stomach
• Concentration issues
• A general feeling of malaise or “being unwell”

Headaches are different in every person. Some people may only have one or two of the symptoms listed above. Others may have all of them.

How Do These Types of Headaches Occur?

There are many reasons a person may get a neck-related headache. One of the most common reasons is car accident injuries.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries treated by an auto accident doctor. Whiplash is also a common reason for people to have neck-related injuries. For those who receive a car accident injury in New York, make sure you look for a doctor who takes no-fault insurance.

Other reasons these headaches might occur:

• Osteoarthritis
• A prolapsed disc in the neck
• Poor posture
• A compressed or pinched nerve in the cervical spine

It’s even possible to have a cervicogenic headache from sleeping funny. Most of these reasons occur because a muscle has been mildly injured or a nerve has been pinched.

Do You Have More Questions About a Headache Caused by Neck Injuries?

Headaches can occur for many reasons, and this includes neck injuries. The difference between neck-related headaches and others is that symptoms occur in correlation to neck movements of some kind.

Do you have more questions about a headache caused by neck injuries? Or were you injured in a car accident and are now having cervicogenic headaches?

Call 1-800-897-8440 or fill out the form below. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. They can also assist in finding you an experienced auto injury doctor who accepts no-fault insurance.