Causes of Headaches and Associated Neck Pain.

So, what are the main causes of headaches? There are many, many ways to answer this question. In fact, you have already probably visited your Doctor and received some information and maybe some relief. However, if you are reading this article you are probably in need of some extra help! In this article, I will concentrate on the type of headache that presents along with some form of neck pain.

Headaches associated with neck pain are very common indeed and I treat them daily in my physiotherapy practice. I find that they are more common in women than men.

There a various forms and causes of headaches associated with neck pain. The most common types that I see are:

Neck pain along with pain over the top of your head. It is usually a dull constant ache and often worse in the morning.

Neck pain with pain at the back and base of your head. People with this type of headache often complain of their head feeling too heavy for their body.

Neck pain with pain around the ears. This can be due to the neck referring to the ears directly or it can be secondary to ear infections or other similar problems.

The following groups the main Causes of Headaches and Neck Pain that I see most regularly:

Poor posture: In my experience, this is the most common root cause associated with headaches and neck pain. People usually present with a "chin-poked" posture. This is where your chin is poked too far forward placing excess pressure on structures around the top of your neck.

This can result in neck pain and associated headaches. I specially see this in office workers and people who drive a lot.

Joint stiffness: Can also cause neck pain and headaches. If the joints in your neck are stiff then the muscles around the base of your neck can become tight. When combined these factors can cause headaches.

Stress: Can also cause neck-related headaches. Stress can result in tight muscles and poor postures. Combined - these factors can result in pain.

Overuse: Occurs when repetitive postures and movements place excess pressure on the structures at the top of your neck. This can result in many possible injuries - one being neck pain and headaches.

Whiplash: Is where your neck has been strained in a whiplash motion. Headaches often result from the pressure placed on the neck in this injury. This type of headache must be treated at its early stages as if left too long can be quite stubborn to treat!

Disc Lesions: Can cause neck pain and headaches. The headaches can result directly from the pressure the dislodged disc is placing on a nerve, or it can be a secondary response to the tight muscles and joint involved.

The nature of a headache coming from the neck is specific and usually presents as a dull headache. It is commonly on one side only. It can affect the eyes and it usually arises after the neck pain has started. However, it does not always follow this pattern!

causes of headaches

Treatment of neck pain and headaches depends on the cause. As always, removing the cause is the goal. After the cause has been identified and removed, further treatments involving mobilisations, exercise and postural corrections usually resolve neck pain and headaches.

Orthopaedic pillows often help greatly in the management of neck pain and headaches. However, your pillow must be of good quality and be the correct size for you. Ask your physiotherapist/ physical therapist to advise you on this where possible. Poorly fitted pillows can do more harm than good to your neck and spine.

Finally, never ignore an ongoing headache. It can be a symptom of more serious conditions. For example, meningitis, blood pressure, hormonal imbalances and brain tumours. It is essential to seek medical advice and attention at the early stages of an ongoing headache.

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The information on this web site does not replace specific medical advice. It should only be used to complement advice from your doctor. Always seek in-person advice from a doctor or other qualified health provider for your particular condition.