The Most Overlooked Cause of Headaches: Why Migraines Often Start in the Neck

Many people with migraines are told their symptoms are purely neurological and must be managed long-term with medication. In this episode, Dr. Taves explains why that model often leaves patients trapped in a cycle of trial-and-error prescriptions without clear answers. He shares the clinical pattern that changed his entire perspective: again and again, patients formally diagnosed with migraines experienced real improvement when restrictions in the upper cervical spine were identified and treated through specialized physical therapy.

Dr. Taves breaks down how the upper neck (from the base of the skull through about C3) can refer pain into the head and face and create symptoms that look exactly like classic migraine. He explains why standard imaging and routine medical exams frequently miss these issues — because they don’t test true upper-cervical function or motion.

You’ll learn why migraines often “start in the neck,” how to think about root cause versus symptom management, and why restoring normal joint movement in the upper cervical spine can be a reliable, medication-free path toward lasting relief for many headache and migraine sufferers.

Novera: Headache Center