Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic Headache services offered in South Miami, FL

If you struggle with one-sided headaches, your neck may be to blame. Triple-board-certified neurologist Awss Zidan, MD, understands the strong connection between neck and head pain. At Miami Headache & Pain Clinic in South Miami, Florida, Dr. Zidan provides comprehensive care for cervicogenic headaches caused by neck injuries. Don’t wait to seek care for a cervicogenic headache. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache stems from pain in your neck, usually as the result of an injury. It’s a secondary headache, meaning it causes referred pain. Getting to the source of a cervicogenic headache is essential in properly treating it.

At Miami Headache & Pain Clinic, Dr. Zidan takes a holistic approach to cervicogenic headache treatment. He works with you to uncover the root cause of your headache so you can experience long-lasting pain relief beyond symptom management.

What are the underlying causes of cervicogenic headaches?

Most cervicogenic headaches are caused by neck injuries or conditions that damage the neck. Common causes of these painful headaches include:

Herniated discs
Muscle strain
Whiplash
Arthritis
Pinched nerves
Spinal fractures
Poor posture

Dr. Zidan goes beyond examining your neck and reviewing your symptoms to diagnose cervicogenic headaches. He studies your medical history and asks about your daily habits to better understand how your headaches start. After this initial evaluation, Dr. Zidan may order imaging tests or perform diagnostic blocks to gather more information.

How will I know if I have a cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headaches don’t feel like typical headaches that exclusively cause pain in the head. As secondary headaches, they can affect the head, neck, and shoulders, causing symptoms such as:

Pain that radiates from the base of the skull to the forehead, eyes, and temples
One-sided headache pain
Neck stiffness
Limited neck range of motion
Pain that worsens with specific neck movements or poor posture
Gradual onset of headache pain
Possible shoulder and upper back pain
Recurrent episodes stemming from neck issues or injuries

A massage may provide temporary relief, but addressing the underlying cause is crucial to stop these headaches from returning.

How is a cervicogenic headache treated?

How Dr. Zidan treats your cervicogenic headache depends on the cause. Some treatments he may recommend include:

Medications
Trigger point injections
Nerve blocks
Botox® for muscle stiffness
Physical therapy
Massage therapy
Postural modifications
Lifestyle changes

With a combination approach to treatment, Dr. Zidan may recommend multiple therapies to address your condition.

Cervicogenic headaches can make performing routine tasks, engaging in physical activities, or maintaining a normal work schedule challenging. Call Miami Headache & Pain Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to find lasting pain relief.