Neck Pain and Headache Relief

Posture:  Your posture varies throughout the day and is influenced by lifestyle choices, poor biomechanics, weakness, and fatigue.  Everyday tasks such as driving, talking on your phone, how you sit at your computer and your sleep position can all be contributing to your neck pain.  Poor sitting posture is a common cause of neck pain, especially for those who sit the majority of the day.

Whiplash:  One of the most common injuries that results in neck pain is whiplash. It is known as a “strain” injury, caused by the head being jerked rapidly back-and-forth affecting the soft tissues in the neck.  Whiplash is typically sustained by a motor vehicle accident or high-impact sports collision.  Muscular spasm and tightness can occur.

Muscular Tightness: Stress at home or work can lead to tight muscles that contribute to neck pain and headaches.  This constant strain on tissues can create pain and stiffness in neck.  A sedentary lifestyle with too much sitting can contribute to tightness.

Pinched Nerve or Radiculitis:  The nerves that exit between the bones of the neck may become pinched due to inflammation, disc involvement, or tight muscles.  This often creates pain in neck, upper back, and shoulders.  Pain, numbness and tingling can occur and may radiate into the shoulder blade or down into the arm and hand.

Herniated/Bulging disc:  The neck is susceptible to a disk herniation just like the low back.  If the disc is protruding onto the nerve, it can send pain and tingling down the neck, upper back, shoulders and arm.  In severe cases, surgery may be indicated.

Degeneration (Degenerative Disc Disease or Degenerative Joint Disease)and Osteoarthritis:  Much like any other joints in your body,  the neck joints can erode with age, causing pain. Osteoarthritis can also reduce the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck, which can result in moderate to severe pain.  Repeated trauma, poor posture, and genetics  may all influence symptoms.  While physical therapy will not cure degeneration, lifestyle changes and follow up care can help to prevent further inflammation and flare ups.

Headaches and Neck Pain Are Related!

Your physical therapist can help you to distinguish how your neck pain and headaches are related. There are different causes and types of headaches.  A common type of headache is a cervicogenic or tension headache which may be caused by the tightening of muscles in the back of the neck.  Poor posture is often a contributing factor. Headaches in the temporal region (or the side of your head) can be related to muscular tension or jaw (TMJ)  pain. Headaches in the front of your head can be related to sinus problems, myofascial pain, or eye strain.  Concussions can also cause headaches.  A physical therapist can help to distinguish between different types of headaches and the best intervention plan to help with your symptoms.  Some individuals may require a referral to another medical specialist.