Head Disorders
Understanding the Link Between Your Spine and Head Pain
Many persistent headaches don’t actually start in the head — they begin in the neck, upper spine, nerves, or surrounding muscles. When these structures become irritated or injured, the pain often radiates upward and presents as a headache. At iMsk & Spine Group, we specialize in identifying these deeper causes of head pain and treating them with care, precision, and compassion. We take the time to listen, to understand, and to create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Our goal is simple: to help you feel better, move better, and get back to living life comfortably.
Below are the spinal head disorders we treat, along with an explanation of what they are, typical symptoms, and the treatment approaches we commonly use.
Conditions We Treat Under Spinal Head Disorders
Cervicogenic Headaches
What it is:
A cervicogenic headache is a type of referred pain — the discomfort you feel in your head actually originates in the upper cervical spine (neck). Irritation in the joints, nerves, or muscles of the neck sends pain signals upward, often mimicking other headache types. These headaches are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed without a proper spinal evaluation.
How we treat it:
We focus on addressing the root cause in the neck. Treatment may include gentle manual therapy, targeted physical therapy, postural retraining, interventional treatments such as cervical injections, and lifestyle adjustments designed to reduce neck strain and improve mobility.
Symptoms:
- One-sided head or facial pain
- Stiffness or discomfort at the base of the skull
- Pain that worsens with neck movement or prolonged posture
- Pressure behind the eyes or radiating from the neck upward
Migraine Headaches
What it is:
Migraines are neurological headaches characterized by intense, pulsating pain that may last for hours or days. While migraines originate in the brain, spinal or muscular tension can often trigger or worsen attacks. Understanding the relationship between cervical issues and migraines is important for long-term relief.
Our approach combines migraine-specific medical strategies with musculoskeletal support. Treatment may include medications, identifying and avoiding triggers, neck and upper-back therapy, stress-reduction techniques, nutritional guidance, and interventional pain procedures when appropriate.
Symptoms:
- Severe, throbbing head pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Visual “aura,” flashing lights, or blind spots - Difficulty concentrating
Concussion
What it is:
A concussion occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull due to trauma. It is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can temporarily or permanently affect brain function. Even after the initial injury, neck strain or inflammation can contribute to lingering symptoms.
We monitor recovery closely, provide a structured return-to-activity plan, and address accompanying musculoskeletal issues, especially in the neck. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, vestibular therapy, cognitive rest, and gentle strengthening as symptoms improve.
Symptoms:
- Persistent headache or pressure in the head
- Foggy thinking or slowed processing
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Balance or coordination problems
- Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
Post-Concussion Syndrome
What it is:
Post-concussion syndrome occurs when concussion symptoms continue for weeks, months, or even longer. These symptoms may result from neurological changes, neck dysfunction, or a combination of both. Even mild injuries can lead to significant, lingering discomfort.
We tailor treatment to your symptoms and their underlying causes. This may include neurological evaluation, vestibular rehabilitation, cervical spine therapy, interventional treatments for persistent pain, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safe, steady progress.
Symptoms:
- Continued headaches or head pressure
- Dizziness, fatigue, or irritability
- Difficulty focusing or mental fog
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Post-Whiplash Headache
What it is:
After a whiplash injury — where the neck rapidly snaps back and forth — patients may develop chronic headaches originating from strained muscles, irritated nerves, or injured joints in the cervical spine.
We use a combination of gentle neck rehabilitation, soft-tissue therapy, strengthening to restore stability, ergonomic guidance, and targeted pain-relief treatments as needed. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and prevent long-term dysfunction.
Symptoms:
- Pain starting at the base of the skull and radiating upward
- Neck stiffness or muscle tightness
- Reduced range of motion
- Shoulder or upper-back pain
- Dizziness or fatigue
Tension Headaches
What it is:
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headaches. While once thought to be caused solely by muscle tension, new research shows they are also linked to heightened pain sensitivity and stress-related changes in neurotransmitters.
Treatment often includes physical therapy, stress-reduction techniques, ergonomic adjustments, heat therapy, exercise programs, and identifying lifestyle factors that may be contributing to flare-ups.
Symptoms:
- Dull, aching pressure on both sides of the head
- A “tight band” sensation around the forehead or scalp
- Neck and shoulder tenderness
- Symptoms that worsen during stress or fatigue
Trigeminal Neuralgia
What it is:
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition caused by misfiring or irritation of the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be sudden, sharp, and severe — sometimes triggered by even light facial movement or touch.
We offer nerve-focused treatments tailored to your symptoms. This may include medication management, nerve blocks, interventional pain procedures, and supportive care to reduce triggers and improve daily comfort.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, electric-shock-like facial pain
- Episodes that last seconds but may recur frequently
- Pain triggered by talking, chewing, brushing teeth, or even wind exposure
- Facial muscle sensitivity or spasms
Occipital Neuralgia
What it is:
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic facial pain condition caused by misfiring or irritation of the trigeminal nerve. The pain can be sudden, sharp, and severe — sometimes triggered by even light facial movement or touch.
Treatment may include nerve blocks, manual therapy, targeted stretching, physical therapy to reduce muscle compression, and interventional pain management if symptoms persist.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, shock-like pain at the base of the skull
- Pain radiating to the scalp or behind the eyes
- Tenderness along the upper neck
- Muscle spasms or sensitivity to touch
Head Disorders FAQ
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck or spine?
Can neck problems really cause migraines or other types of headaches?
Yes. Tension in the cervical spine, muscle imbalance, and nerve irritation can trigger or worsen migraines and other headache types. Treating the neck often reduces both the frequency and intensity of these headaches over time.
How long does recovery take from post-concussion or whiplash-related headaches?
When should I see a specialist for recurring headaches?
If your headaches occur frequently, interfere with work or daily activities, worsen over time, or come with symptoms like neck pain, dizziness, or numbness, it’s important to be evaluated. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications and speeds relief.
Can spinal head disorders be treated without medication?
Will my headaches return if treatment stops?
