Why Can Cervical Spondylosis Cause Migraines?

Generally, the causes of migraines associated with cervical spondylosis include muscle tension, circulatory disorders, cervical joint disorders, cervical disc herniation, and cervical bone spurs. Prompt medical attention is required, and treatment should follow medical advice. Details are as follows:

1. Muscle tension: Cervical spondylosis can cause the muscles around the neck to remain tense for prolonged periods. This tension may exert a pulling effect on the head, triggering migraines. Applying a warm towel compress to the neck can help relieve muscle tension.

2. Circulatory disorders: Due to cervical compression, the neck muscles may remain in a spastic state for long periods, impeding blood flow in the neck and potentially leading to insufficient blood supply to the head, which can result in migraines. Treatments such as cervical traction or micro-needle knife therapy can be used to alleviate pressure on blood vessels caused by cervical spondylosis, thereby improving circulation.

3. Cervical joint disorders: Disruption or misalignment of the cervical joints may lead to biomechanical imbalances in the cervical spine, affecting nerve and vascular function in the neck and head, causing migraines, and possibly accompanied by neck pain. Medications such as Vitamin B1 tablets, Estazolam tablets, and Jingfukang granules may be used under medical guidance to provide nerve nutrition, muscle relaxation, and pain relief.

4. Cervical disc herniation: Cervical disc herniation refers to the rupture of the fibrous ring of the cervical disc, with the nucleus pulposus protruding and compressing nerve roots or the spinal cord. When the protruding nucleus pulposus compresses nerves connected to the head, migraines may occur, often accompanied by numbness in the upper limbs. Medications such as Gentengping granules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and acetaminophen tablets should be used under a doctor's guidance to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

5. Cervical bone spurs: Cervical bone spurs refer to bony projections formed on the edges of cervical vertebrae. These projections may compress nerve roots or blood vessels, leading to migraines and often accompanied by neck stiffness. Medications such as chlorzoxazone tablets, mecobalamin tablets, and anti-bone spur tablets should be used under medical guidance to relieve neck muscle tension, provide nerve nutrition, and alleviate pain.

Patients should maintain correct sitting and standing postures, avoiding prolonged periods of looking down at mobile phones or computers and other poor postures to prevent the occurrence and worsening of cervical spondylosis.

References:

[1] Jia Jianping, Chen Shengdi. Neurology [M]. 8th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.