Patients with headaches also commonly complain of neck pain. This relationship is the rule, not the exception; therefore, in order to achieve optimum results, treatment for headaches must include treatment of the neck. There are many anatomical reasons why neck problems result in headache issues. Some of these include:

• The first three nerves exiting the spine in the upper neck go directly into the head. They penetrate the muscles at the top of the neck near the attachments to the skull. Therefore, any excess pressure on these nerves by the muscles or spinal joints will result in irritation and subsequent pain.
• The origin or nucleus of the 5th cranial nerve (the trigeminal), innervates the sensation to the face. It is located in the upper cervical region near the origin of the 2nd cervical spinal nerve. It innervates sensation from the back of the head up to the top. Therefore, problems located in the upper neck will often result in pain radiating up from the base of the skull/upper neck over the top of the skull to the eyes and /or face.
• The 11th cranial nerve innervates the upper shoulders. Muscles in the front of the neck arise from the top 5 to 7 spinal cord levels in the neck. Injury anywhere in the neck can result in spasms and pain in these large muscle groups.
• Other interconnections between the 2nd cervical nerve and trigeminal/5th cranial nerve include communication with the 7th, 9th, and 10th cranial nerve. These connections can affect facial muscle strength/movements, taste, tongue and throat movements, and stomach complaints.

Headache and Chiropractor Connection

When seeking treatment, a thorough examination of the neck, upper back, and cranial nerves are routinely performed for the above reasons. It is common to find upper cervical movement and vertebral alignment problems present in patients complaining of headaches. Tender points are located between the shoulder blades, upper shoulders, on the sides of the neck, and at the base of the skull. Pain often radiates from the tender point over the top of the skull. This occurs when pressure is applied in the upper neck/base of the skull area. Tenderness on the sides of the head, in the temples, and over the eyes are also common. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the fixated or misaligned vertebra in the upper neck often bring very satisfying relief to the headache sufferer. Exercises that promote movement in the neck, as well as strengthening exercises, are also helpful in both reducing headache pain and in preventing occurrences, especially with stress or tension headaches.