The Underlying Cause of Migraine Headaches

There are many things that can trigger a migraine or a headache, but these are not the underlying causes. There is a reason, however, that many of the triggers for headache conditions are related to the neck. For example, poor posture and stress are two common precursors to migraines. Here are the ways that the upper cervical spine relates to the central nervous system.

• Blood flow – The cervical spine facilitates blood flow to the brain by means of the vertebral foramen which provide safe passage for the arteries. Even a slight misalignment can affect this vital flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
• Brainstem function – The atlas (top vertebra in the neck) surrounds and protects the brainstem. However, a misalignment can put pressure on the brainstem and inhibit proper function. This, in turn, can affect the entire central nervous system and lead to headaches or neurological conditions like migraines.
• Cerebrospinal fluid drainage – When the top two bones in the neck become misaligned, cerebrospinal fluid may fail to drain properly. This can also lead to headaches or migraines as it may increase intracranial pressure.