Can Cervical Instability Cause Migraines?

Yes, cervical instability is a frequent underlying cause of chronic migraines and tension headaches. When the ligaments in the upper neck (C1-C2) are lax, the resulting vertebral misalignment can irritate the occipital nerves and restrict blood flow, triggering severe migraine symptoms that often don't respond to traditional medication.
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How does neck instability trigger a migraine?
When the ligaments that support your skull and upper spine are damaged, the "atlas" and "axis" vertebrae can shift excessively. This mechanical stress often compresses the vertebral artery or the greater occipital nerve. At Cedar Health Center in Flagstaff, we use Digital Motion X-ray (DMX) to see these shifts in real-time, identifying exactly which movement triggers your headache.

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