When headaches stop being occasional, the first job is to work out what kind they are — because the treatments do not overlap.
What it is
Migraine, tension-type headache, cervicogenic headache and occipital neuralgia are distinct conditions that are routinely lumped together.
Medication overuse headache is a common and under-recognised cause of daily headache — the treatment is causing the problem.
Post-traumatic headache after a crash frequently has a neck component.
How it usually presents
- Headache on more days than not.
- A pattern that has changed over time.
- Escalating use of over-the-counter painkillers.
- Neck stiffness accompanying the headache.
- Disturbed sleep.
How we treat it
- A careful history, which does more diagnostic work here than any scan.
- Occipital and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks where indicated.
- Treating the cervical spine where it is contributing.
- Withdrawal from overused analgesics where that is the driver.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Can my neck cause headaches?
Yes, and it is one of the most commonly missed causes of persistent one-sided headache.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Or text (314) 886-5902 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.