Has There Been a Gradual Increase Over the Years?
If yes, this is a clear indicator that your neck is involved.
A gradual (as distinct from a sudden, recent) increase in headache or migraine frequency indicates that a neck disorder (usually stiffness of one or more of then top three spinal segments) is worsening, resulting in a gradual increase in frequency over the years – sometimes to become continuous – a constant headache! A gradual increase in frequency over the years suggests very strongly that your neck is the source.
However that’s not to say if there hasn’t been an increase in the frequency over the years then your neck is not involved.
Are You Needing to Take Stronger and Stronger Medication?
The other change that often accompanies a gradual increase in frequency is that over the years you are needing to take stronger (as the one you are taking is having less and less of an effect) and stronger medication – this is another indication that your headache or migraine is the result of a worsening neck disorder. Other features indicating cervical (neck) involvement are your headache or migraine commenced following head or neck trauma, and or, if your headache or migraine is preceded or accompanied by neck stiffness, pain or discomfort.
Furthermore that a neck disorder is responsible for your headache or migraine is confirmed if your head pain is one sided and can occur on either side, or can swap sides within the same episode. In addition, temporary reproduction and lessening of your head pain when the upper cervical joints are examined provides further confirmation of the cause of your headache or migraine.
