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17 Oct 2024
Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches?

BY: cadminn

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Neck pain and headaches frequently go hand-in-hand, leading many to question if there is a causal relationship between the two. Often, the nerves in the neck may be irritated or strained by factors such as poor posture, neck injuries, or conditions like herniated cervical discs or pinched nerves. This irritation can trigger headaches, highlighting a significant connection where neck discomfort could directly contribute to head pain.

So, is your headache something that has been triggered by neck pain?

Exploring the Connection Between Neck Pain and Headaches

It is a given that headaches are a common ailment, with many people routinely reaching for painkillers to manage the discomfort. 

However, what if the real trigger and cause of these persistent headaches are not being addressed? Irritation, a crick or strain in the nerves of the neck, resulting from various factors like poor posture or injury, could be a contributing factor that painkillers alone cannot resolve. 

Why Does My Neck Pain Cause Headaches?

The connection between your neck and your head is intricate, with nerves running from the spine to the brain. Pain in the neck can, therefore, potentially lead to headaches due to issues within the cervical spine, which comprises seven vertebrae responsible for supporting the head and facilitating nerve communication. When any part of this area is compromised, whether by injury or strain, it can result in pain that is felt in the head.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck pain can stem from numerous activities and conditions that stress the delicate cervical region. Here’s a look at some common culprits:

  • Poor posture: Slouching or hunching over, common postural habits, can put unnecessary pressure on the neck and contribute to discomfort.
  • Spending Excessive Time on Devices: Spending hours hunched over smartphones and computers in poorly designed workspaces can result in a painful condition known as “tech neck.”
  • Injury: Accidents like whiplash, where the neck is suddenly jerked, falls, head injuries or fainting spells can cause lasting pain as well.
  • Degenerative diseases: Conditions like arthritis can deteriorate the cervical discs, possibly leading to pain.
  • Improper sleep positions: Sleeping in a position that does not support the neck properly could lead to stiffness and pain.
  • Physical strain: Activities involving repetitive movements or heavy lifting can increase the risk of neck injuries by overexerting the muscles and ligaments in the area.
  • Emotional Stress: Heightened levels of anxiety and depression can exacerbate neck pain, with studies indicating that reduced emotional support and increased psychological stress contribute significantly to the severity and frequency of neck discomfort.

How Headaches and Neck Pain Are Interlinked

Now that you’re aware of the common causes of neck pain and headaches, the next question that many contemplate is: how exactly does this pain in my neck lead to throbbing headaches?

The physiological link between neck pain and headaches lies in the network of nerves and muscles extending from the cervical spine to the skull. Neck issues can trigger headaches by causing muscle tension and nerve compression, which in turn can lead to pain perceived in the head. Conversely, the stress of enduring a headache can cause one to tense the neck muscles, creating a cycle of pain that can be challenging to break without addressing both the head and the neck.

Identifying Types of Headaches Linked to Neck Pain

How do you know if your headache is from neck pain? 

Understanding the types of headaches that stem from neck discomfort can help determine if neck pain is the root cause of your symptoms. 

Two prevalent types linked to neck issues include:

1. Cervicogenic Headache

A cervicogenic headache is typically a secondary headache, meaning it stems from another physical issue—often within the neck. This type of headache may arise from conditions like arthritis, a neck sprain, neck bone misalignments, or more severe situations such as a neck fracture, tumours, and more. 

Common triggers include poor sleeping posture or strain from prolonged desk work.

Symptoms are usually unilateral, starting at the back of the skull and moving towards the front. Along with this specific pain pattern, individuals might also experience a stiff neck that becomes more uncomfortable with movement. Eye pain on the same side as the headache is another possible symptom, which can be more severe, leading to migraines.

2. Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia involves intense, sharp, stabbing pain that can mimic the sensation of an electric shock traversing the path of the occipital nerves. It often results from a pinched nerve caused by muscle tightness, injury, or conditions like arthritis in the neck. 

Besides the electric shock-like pain, symptoms include a shooting pain across the scalp, pain at the skull’s base, and significant discomfort with neck movements or even when lying down. Due to its similarity to migraines, occipital neuralgia requires careful diagnosis by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate management. 

Recognising Headaches That May Contribute to Neck Pain

On the flip side, just as neck discomfort can trigger headaches, certain types of headaches can also intensify neck pain. The types of headaches that can cause neck pain include:

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches can cause a band-like pressure that extends from the forehead, around the temples, and down to the neck. The root causes of these headaches are often linked to stress and muscle tension. Symptoms typically include:

  • A feeling of pressure or constriction that wraps around your forehead.
  • Pain that radiates from the head to the neck and shoulders.
  • Inflammation and tenderness in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, which can result in neck pain.

Migraines

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that can cause significant discomfort in the head and neck areas. These often prolonged and frequent attacks can lead to:

  • Severe pain that might start in the neck and move to one side of the head.
  • Nausea, vomiting and general body aches.
  • Increased sensitivity to various sensory stimuli, including smell, touch, light or sound. This sensory overload may also involve ringing in the ears and can significantly disrupt sleep and concentration.
  • In more severe cases, migraines can also lead to muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensation.

Effective Management of Neck Pain and Associated Headaches

Effective treatment for neck pain and associated headaches varies widely, depending on factors like the underlying cause, severity, and specific symptoms experienced.

Approaches to Treating Headaches

Managing headaches may involve a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. Common strategies include:

  • Using over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Enhancing sleep quality through improved sleep positions and ensuring adequate sleep duration.
  • Adjusting posture to reduce strain on the neck, such as maintaining a neutral spine alignment while sitting or standing.
  • Modifying workplace ergonomics, like adjusting the height of computer monitors to reduce neck strain.
  • Practising stress management techniques like relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and meditation to reduce tension.
  • Identifying and avoiding potential dietary triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, or processed foods.
  • Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to boost your well-being and manage stress levels.

Addressing a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Treatment for a pinched nerve may include:

  • Engaging in targeted physical therapy exercises to support the neck muscles and potentially improve flexibility.
  • Taking oral medications or receiving steroid injections to help reduce inflammation and manage pain.
  • Considering surgery as a last resort if conservative treatments do not alleviate symptoms.

Managing a Herniated Cervical Disc

For a herniated cervical disc, conservative treatments are often the first line of action:

  • Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to manage the discomfort and address inflammation.
  • Muscle relaxants or specific medications to manage nerve pain.
  • Physical therapy to support the neck muscles and posture.
  • Surgery might be considered if conservative treatments fail to provide relief and the condition significantly impacts the quality of life.

Preventative Strategies for Stiff Necks and Headaches

To mitigate the risk of developing stiff necks and related headaches, consider implementing the following practical changes in your daily routines:

  • Maintain good posture: Maintain a neutral spine by consciously aligning your shoulders over your hips and keeping your ears in line with your shoulders.
  • Adjust your sleep position: Aim for a sleeping posture that keeps your head and neck in line with your body. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your thighs can help relax your spinal muscles.
  • Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to rest and repair.
  • Customise your workspace: Adjust your workstation to promote a comfortable and neutral sitting position where your knees are slightly below your hips and your monitor is directly in front of you at eye level.
  • Take regular breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around regularly, especially if you spend long hours at a desk or behind the wheel.
  • Optimise how you carry items: Avoid using a single shoulder strap for heavy bags; evenly distribute weight to reduce strain on your neck.
  • Ensure adequate hydration by consuming fluids consistently throughout the day.

Recognising Seriousness of Neck Pain and Headache Symptoms

Say you’ve taken the necessary steps to alleviate your neck pain and headaches — tried improving your posture, adjusting your workspace, or even incorporating gentle stretches. Yet, the discomfort persists or, worse, intensifies. When should you be concerned?

While stiff necks and headaches are common, certain symptoms warrant immediate professional evaluation:

  • Persistent discomfort: Consult a healthcare provider if your neck stiffness and headaches persist for more than a couple of weeks.
  • Neurological signs: Symptoms like numbness in the arms, blurry vision, or slurred speech alongside neck pain require urgent medical attention.
  • Severe and sudden symptoms: If you experience intense headaches that abruptly start or worsen, known as “thunderclap” headaches, seek immediate care.
  • Associated symptoms: High fever, confusion, eye pain, or headaches that disrupt sleep are serious signs that should not be ignored.
  • Unresponsive to usual care: Headaches that do not improve with standard treatments need to be assessed by a professional to ensure appropriate management.
  • Unresponsive to medication: If your neck pain or headaches do not respond to over-the-counter or prescribed medication, it’s essential to seek medical advice to identify any underlying causes.

Evaluating Chiropractic Care as an Option to Address Migraines

When conventional treatments for migraines don’t provide sufficient relief, some individuals seek alternative therapies to manage their pain. Chiropractic care emerges as one such option worth considering, offering a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing health issues like migraines. By focusing on manual adjustments and a holistic understanding of the body, chiropractic care aims to lessen the impact and occurrence of migraines.

Potential Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Migraine

Chiropractic care may help manage migraine symptoms through spinal manipulations that aim to address misalignments and potentially reduce nerve pressure. This type of therapy can potentially:

  • Reduce nerve irritation: Proper alignment of the spine can take off unnecessary pressure on nerves that may contribute to migraine pain.
  • Relax muscle tension: Chiropractors often use techniques like massage, trigger pressure point release, cranial bone release, and stretching to help relax muscles around the neck and head, addressing one of the common contributors to migraine pain.
  • Decrease migraine frequency and intensity: By managing spinal alignment and muscle tension, chiropractic care could help lessen the occurrence and severity of migraines.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of Chiropractic Care

However, it is worth noting that while seeking chiropractic care from a migraine chiropractor or chiropractor for neck stiffness is generally considered safe, there might be potential risks and side effects associated with them. Some of these might include:

  • Temporary discomfort: It’s not uncommon to feel some temporary soreness or stiffness in muscles or joints after a chiropractic session. This is similar to the muscle soreness you might feel after a workout and typically subsides within 2-3 days.
  • Headaches and fatigue: Initial therapy sessions can sometimes trigger headaches or feelings of tiredness or even lead to a temporary change in energy levels, which typically resolve within a short period.
  • Numbness or tingling: Rarely, patients might experience tingling or numbness in the limbs, which usually subsides quickly.

Is Chiropractic Care Appropriate for Children?

Chiropractic therapy might be appropriate for children experiencing headaches and migraines, but it requires careful consideration. It’s essential to consult with a paediatrician before beginning any chiropractic therapy to confirm that it is a safe option for your child. This is especially so if your child has experienced frequent headaches or neck pain from a young age and the pain is above the usual threshold. In such cases, the symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Additionally, choosing a chiropractor who is experienced in paediatric care is crucial to ensure the therapy is safe.

Can Chiropractic Care Address Other Types of Headaches?

Chiropractic care might also be beneficial for other types of headaches, such as cervicogenic and tension headaches:

  • Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches, which originate from the neck or base of the skull, may respond well to spinal manipulation, helping to address the direct cause of pain.
  • Tension Headaches: Chiropractic care may help manage tension headaches by addressing muscle tightness and supporting spinal alignment, often combined with lifestyle advice and stress management techniques.
  • Sinus Headaches: While often overlooked, chiropractic care can also provide relief for sinus headaches. Techniques, such as sinus cranial adjustments, can help to improve drainage and reduce pressure in the sinuses, alleviating headache and pain.

When to See a Doctor for Migraine

Now, while chiropractic care might be able to help with headaches and tension headaches and can support and complement traditional medical approaches to managing migraines, certain symptoms and patterns should prompt you to seek medical advice. If you find that your headaches significantly disrupt your daily activities or occur more frequently—more than one severe headache per month or week—it’s advisable to consult a doctor.