Headaches are usually caused by disorders of the neck or are due to physical and emotional tension. One of the ways to treat such kind of headaches is to visit a physiotherapist a get some treatment for the neck pain and learn what you can do to prevent the pain from recurring.
For a lot of people, headaches are pain or tension at the top part of the neck. As the pain becomes more intense, it usually spreads to the back of the head, the temples, forehead or in most of the cases behind the eyes. When you move your neck or bend forward for some time, this tends to make the pain worse. This situation happens because the nerves in the upper part of the neck are connected to the nerves found in your head and face. A problem in the upper neck joints or muscles can cause severe pain to the head.
Any of the following symptoms below could suggest that your headache pain is coming from your neck:
• Are your headaches associated with neck pain. Does the pain begin from the back and going round to the front of your head?
• Do you have headaches with dizziness or light-headedness.
• Does you headache becomes better or worse when you move your neck or when you stay in the same position for a long time.
• Does the headache pain always feels worse on the same side of your head.
• Is the headache pain better when you put pressure to the base of the skull.
• Does the headache persists even after your doctor has checked for other possible causes.
Other causes of headaches besides neck aches may be: migraine headaches, allergic reactions or other factors
Ways for preventing headaches
Here is some useful tips to help you manage and prevent headaches:
Watch your posture
Stand and sit like tall people. Make sure your chest is lifted, your shoulders are relaxed, your chin is tucked in and at head level. Your neck position should feel strong, be straight and feel relaxed.
Watch your working position
You should try and avoid working having your head down or to one side for a long time. You need to make sure that you frequently stretch your arms and neck and not to remain in the same position for a long time.
Sleeping
Non confortable sleeping positions will add more load and strain to your neck. A down pillow or polyurethane moulded pillow is the best choice for most people. Your physiotherapist can you advise on what is the best pillow for you.
Regular Exercise
You should try and keep your neck muscles flexible and strong by applying the proper neck exercises. A physiotherapist can diagnose for tight or weak muscles and show you which exact exercises to follow in order to restore normal function.
Relaxation
You should try and be relaxed and non-stressed. You must identify when you are stressed and anxious. You may be feeling your shoulders stiffen or your teeth tighten without realizing it.
How physiotherapy can help you prevent headaches
Physiotherapists are specialised in posture and human movement. Physiotherapists can diagnose if your neck is causing or contributing to the headaches.
Some of the techniques physiotherapists can use to prevent or ease your headache pain are:
• Mobilization.
• Manipulation.
• Functional and rehabilitative exercises.
• Encouraging normal activity.
• Postural assessment, correction and advice.
• Relaxation therapy.
• Laser, ultrasound, electrotherapy and heat treatment.
• Massage.
A professional can also provide you with self-help ways to prevent headaches like:
Practical ergonomic tips to apply in the office and at home
Ways to adjust your furniture for better body positions
Relaxation techniques and other exercises.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve had headaches from neck aches for almost 4 years and almost constantly. They are exactly as described with pain radiating to behind my eyes when they get bad. I’ve had an MRI, decompression, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture. I’ve changed my pillow and done everything I can think of with no relief. Ibuprofen does absolutely nothing. I take a muscle relaxer every night which might be decreasing the pain, but it doesn’t seem like it. Can you think of anything else? Is my problem muscular or joint related? I do have mild stenosis and disc bulging in C5 and C6, but the headaches are higher than that.
Your neck ache is triggering a migraine — if isometric neck strengthing excercise haven’t helped — try taking 500 mg of Magnesium per day. Do you get cramps (like in your foot?) — if so, you probably have a Magnesium deficency — a Magnesium deficency can casue migraines — also take COQ-10 — this enzyme will strengthen blood vessels and reduce migraines.
I am a 30 yr old man who lives in the city of stress. Yes New York. I have been suffering from migraine headaches since I was 12 yrs old and its been hell!!! I have been to nerve doctors, regular doctors, you name it I even been to a witch doctor….just kidding but i have to say the pain usually starts off in the back of my neck and then travels all over and usually settles behind my eyes. I take immitrex for my migraines but lately I havent been getting migraines . I been getting like tension headaches that originates from my neck. Its just like a lifetime of torture I wouldnt wish the pain I get on my worst enemy. Is it possible for me to get rid of this curse? I am willing to try anything .
Seriously, it sounds like your headaches are being caused by a neck issue — get to a chiroparctor / craniologist — learn stretching and neck muscle exercises — have the doc give you ultra-sound treatments, (deep tissue knot release massages), electrostimulation and 500mg a day of magnisium — CoQ10 too …. this will work.
Thank you Mr. Smith for your advice I will take you up on that. I have been to a chiropractor and not much results. I think i will go for the 500mg of MAG .. I will keep you posted.
i have a migraine and the dr. prescribe verapamil 120MG ER TAB MYLA.is this for migraines,i have to have relief today.should i take this medicine. i can’t take it any longer. tell me asap if possible.if not i’ve got to go to the er.
love-in-”CHRIST”
THANKS
i have had this pain in my neck for sometime now it starts at the top of my neck and travels to the top of my head and tempels i have swelling behind my right ear i get dizzie spells and feel faint iam a 41 year old male smoker it puts a dampper on the whole day for the last 2 months even get sick to my stomache due to the pain any suggestions. i have made a doctors app finally to see what it is but could use some more advise ty
Yes, use isometric exercise to stretch and strengthen the many muscles in your neck. Search YOUTUBE for videos on how to perform these exercises. If you’re a smoker – quit!
You could be experiencing signs of, God forbid, a stroke. See your doctor to rule that out. If the neck strengthing doesn’t help — botox injections around the scalp and neck are an amazing new breakthrough in Migraine relief. Good luck.
I would suggest you try Yoga…i used to suffer major headaches for almost 15 years…but yoga has been incredibly beneficial..
try it..requires no medication..just some simple exercises..and simple changes in lifestyle….and incredible benifits
best of luck
Hi, I’m 15 year olds and have recently been suffering terrible neck ache, headaches, dizziness and blurry vision sometimes. I’ve had a blood test which showed nothing was wrong and I’ve been for a sight test too, with no answers. It’s really affecting my life and I tried sanomigrain elixir prescribed by the doctor but it hasn’t helped much and now my doctor has given up on me. Any suggestions?