This combination of symptoms can interfere with daily activities, disrupt concentration, and affect an individual's overall quality of life. Understanding the potential causes of headaches with neck pain is essential for effective management and relief.
We took useful insights from Dr. Dipty Mangla, a leading pain management physician popular for acute and chronic pain treatment in New Jersey. Based on those insights, this blog is going to enlighten the cause of headaches with neck pain. So consider reading this blog carefully.
Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type and often occur alongside neck pain. These headaches result from muscle tension or stress, which can lead to the tightening of neck and scalp muscles. The pain typically starts in the neck and radiates to the head, causing a dull, aching sensation.
Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the neck or cervical spine. Conditions such as cervical arthritis, disc degeneration, or muscle strain can cause pain in the neck that refers to the head. Cervicogenic headaches are often one-sided and may be triggered or worsened by certain neck movements. Physical therapy and targeted treatments for neck issues can provide relief.
Migraines: While migraines are primarily characterized by severe head pain, they can also be associated with neck pain. Neck muscle tension or spasms are common migraine triggers. Some people experience neck pain before, during, or after a migraine attack. Identifying and managing migraine triggers, along with appropriate medication, can help control these headaches.
Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are intense, one-sided headaches that often occur in clusters over a period of weeks or months. They can be accompanied by neck pain on the affected side. The exact cause of cluster headaches is not well understood, but they can be treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Infections and Inflammation: Infections of the throat or neck, such as pharyngitis or meningitis, can lead to headaches with neck pain. Additionally, conditions like meningitis involve inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can result in severe head and neck pain. Infections require prompt medical attention and treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Spending long hours in front of a computer or looking down at a phone can strain the neck muscles and contribute to headaches with neck pain. Maintaining good posture and ergonomics, along with taking regular breaks to stretch and move, can help prevent these issues.
If you are having headaches and neck pain that are caused by one or more of the above-mentioned or any other undefined reasons, it is crucial to consult a pain management physician. One can consult Dr. Dipty Mangla at Mainland Pain Management Clinic. She identifies the underlying cause and recommends appropriate treatment. Some of the pain management treatments offered by her include epidural, radiofrequency ablation, botox injections, trigger point injections, and many more.
To learn more about head pain treatment in New Jersey you may schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipty Mangla right away.
