Do you suffer from headaches and neck pain? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience these types of pain, and it can be difficult to find relief. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort. First, remember to stop treatment if your pain worsens.
Applying firm pressure can also help relieve the symptoms of occasional headaches. Cold and hot can both be used to reduce the pain and muscle tension associated with headaches. Try taking a hot shower or applying moist heat to the back of your neck. You can also use a hot water bottle, warm towel, or warm compress.
If you prefer cold weather, wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on your forehead, temples, or neck. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They can cause mild, moderate, or severe pain behind the eyes and in the head and neck. Some people describe it as feeling like a tight band around their forehead. Tension headaches usually develop in the afternoon and can slow down your day.
While they are rarely debilitating, they can certainly make life miserable. Massage is another way to relieve muscle tension and sometimes headache. Gently massage your temples, scalp, neck, and shoulders with your fingertips or gently stretch your neck. Cervicogenic headaches have some unique features that can tell you if they are related to neck pain. It is possible that the neck will also give you some tips. If you sit at a desk for long periods of time, make sure you have the right ergonomics for your office.
This type of headache can also cause pain in the back of the head, scalp, forehead, and behind the ears or eyes. A very common cause of tension headaches is rooted in the neck due to muscle tension and trigger points. Stimulating these points can release endorphins which are natural pain relievers that can help relieve neck, shoulder, and head pain. Some studies show that if you receive acupuncture for several months, you can reduce the number of tension headaches you have. If you take medication for your headaches on a regular basis, be aware that overuse of medication can lead to rebound headaches. These types of headaches occur when you get so used to a medicine that you feel pain when the medicines go away. To prevent this from happening, make sure to take breaks from medication and find other ways to manage your pain such as massage or stretching.
If you have to do paperwork while at work, consider getting a stand to hold documents at eye level so you're not constantly bending your neck. Understanding how these problems connect makes it easier to see how to relieve headaches caused by neck pain. Several types of headaches are related to neck pain including common ones such as tension headaches and migraines. Write down when your headaches start, your activities, how long they last, and anything that provides relief. Over-the-counter or prescription medicines can help but just taking good care of yourself can also help prevent a severe headache. Emad Estemalik MD explains what you should know about a cervicogenic headache and the warning signs you shouldn't ignore. Like tension headaches, treatment for migraines often involves improving symptoms and preventing future migraines.
