Mechanical Headaches: Causes, Symptoms & Cervical Spine Treatment

Mechanical headaches spring up in conjunction with upper cervical spine issues. These frequently arise without warning and limit the range of motion in the neck. Sound cervical treatment often assists in eliminating or further precluding mechanical headaches.

Origin

• Mechanical headaches radiate from the neck and back of the head and are also referred to as occipital or tension headaches. Nerve roots exit under the skull and travel through the neck muscles. When you experience a stiff neck, muscles spasms in the neck constrict these nerves and cause a pain likened to a tightening band across the forehead.

Classifications

• Mechanical headaches are broken into classifications based on their symptoms. Sitting for prolonged periods may lead to postural headaches, which patients can correct with improved posture. Dysfunctions develop due to stress on the upper spine, reducing range of motion in the arms. Anatomical disruption occurs between the second and third cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms

• Mechanical headaches affect each sufferer differently. Some experience a mild headache with the band-around-the-head sensation while others endure severe migraines, nausea and dizziness.