A pinched nerve in the neck can indeed cause headaches. Headache pain caused by a pinched nerve, or cervical radiculopathy, can be debilitating and difficult to deal with. However, you don’t have to endure this pain.
If you are considering seeing a neurologist for your chronic headaches, schedule an appointment at Virgin Islands Neurology today! Our specialists located in the U.S. Virgin Islands look forward to helping you address your discomfort.
The most common type of headache caused by a pinched nerve in the neck is a cervicogenic headache. These headaches typically come from pinched nerves in the C1-C3 vertebrae of the upper or cervical spine. Cervicogenic headaches cause head and neck pain, with headaches felt on one side of the head.
Another type of headache that can occur because of a pinched nerve is occipital neuralgia. These are less common than cervicogenic headaches.
There are other headache types related to neck pain. However, these types of headaches are often the cause of neck pain. They can include the following:
Each headache type has slightly different causes and symptoms. Below are the causes and symptoms of two types of headaches caused by pinched nerves.
The source of a cervicogenic headache is the first three spinal nerves, known as C1- C3 in the upper cervical spine. Herniated or degenerative discs can cause nerve irritation by compressing these nerves in the neck. It is an example of referred pain, as it is felt in the head as well as the source of the pain.
The following situations may cause a cervicogenic headache:
You will feel a cervicogenic headache on one side of your head. It is often triggered by certain head and neck movements or by awkward positions of the head. Other symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include the following:
As well as head pain, you may also experience the following associated symptoms:
Occipital Neuralgia headaches are caused by pressure on the occipital nerves, either through injury or tight muscles. These nerves are connected to the sensory nerves in the head and face. Other medical conditions are also linked with these types of headaches. They include the following:
The symptoms of occipital neuralgia include an intense pain that feels like an electric shock in the back of the head and neck. You may also experience the following symptoms:
Diagnosis of headaches caused by pinched nerves usually begins with a physical examination and consideration of your medical history, particularly if you have ever suffered from a neck injury. Your doctor will examine to see if certain neck movements cause pain or if you have areas along your neck that respond to touch.
Another diagnostic method your doctor may use is MRI scans. These can give detailed images of the tissues in your neck. Finally, you may be given a nerve block to see if the nerve is responsible for your headaches.
There are many options available to treat headaches caused by a pinched nerve. At home, you may try gentle movements, applying heat, or over-the-counter pain relievers. If these measures do not provide relief, you may need to seek medical help.
At Virgin Islands Neurology, our neurologists will create a treatment plan according to your symptoms. Some of the treatment options available for headaches include the following:
If you are wondering if a pinched nerve is causing your headaches, schedule an appointment at Virgin Islands Neurology today! Our specialists located in the U.S. Virgin Islands look forward to helping you resolve your pain and discomfort.
Yes. A pinched nerve in the cervical spine can cause headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches. Nerve irritation in the neck can create referred pain that is felt in the head as well as the source of the problem.
A pinched nerve headache often causes a constant, dull ache or sharp pain that starts in the neck and radiates to one side of the head. Many people also experience neck stiffness, shoulder pain, muscle spasms, or discomfort that worsens with certain head movements.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and assess your neck’s range of motion. Imaging tests such as an MRI may be used to identify nerve compression, and a nerve block may help confirm the source of your headache.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Options may include physical therapy, medications such as muscle relaxants, and nerve block injections.
You should seek medical evaluation if your headaches are severe, recurring, associated with neck pain, numbness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms. A neurologist can identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.
