If you have neck pain frequently during a migraine episode, you might worry if it's an indication of anything more serious, or if your migraine isn't actually a migraine.
Although there may be other causes for neck discomfort that occurs in conjunction with a headache, it is a common symptom of migraine headaches. Neck pain can also be linked to other forms of headaches besides migraine.
If you're not sure if your neck pain is related to your migraine attacks or if the pain is causing your headache, keep reading to learn more about the relationship between neck pain and head pain.
Neck Pain and Migraine
Neck discomfort is one of several symptoms of migraine, and it frequently occurs on the same side as a headache.
Migraine neck pain is very common among chronic migraine sufferers. Chronic migraine is characterized by headaches that occur 15 or more times per month for more than three months. Neck discomfort is a symptom that affects over 80% of those who suffer from frequent migraines.
Neck Pain and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are caused by the tensing or contracting of neck and scalp muscles. Muscle contractions can be caused by stress, depression, head injury, anxiety, and any activity that requires you to keep your head in one position without moving.
There are important distinctions between tension headaches and migraine symptoms, in addition to their varied causes: Tension headaches are characterized by a dull, pressure-like pain on both sides of the head, whereas migraines are characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head.
Cervicogenic Headache
When the pain comes from a source in the neck, it's called a cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headaches are not the same as migraines with neck discomfort because, unlike migraines, cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches.
The headache is the fundamental issue with a primary headache, not a symptom of some underlying disease or disorder. An underlying condition or injury of the neck, such as a tumor, fracture, infection, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, or muscle stiffness or strain in the neck muscles, causes cervicogenic headaches.
Because they are usually on one side of the head and the pain might travel from the back of the neck and head to the front of the head, this form of headache can be mistaken for a migraine headache.
There are some important distinctions between the two forms of headaches: Migraine headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances and nausea; they worsen with movement, and the pain might be pulsing.
Cervicogenic headaches, on the other hand, are frequently accompanied with a reduction in neck range of motion.
How Sleep and Posture Can Impact Migraine and Neck Pain
The amount and quality of sleep you get can have an impact on your migraines. In headaches, especially migraines, sleep is crucial, and both too little and too much sleep can set off a migraine attack.
It's also important to sleep in the right position, especially if you suffer neck pain from your migraine. You may want to modify your position, especially if you have a secondary problem such as neck arthritis; sleeping with a cervical roll or pillow may also assist. A cervical roll can enhance your sleeping posture by assisting you in maintaining a proper cervical curve and preventing neck bending.
When it comes to neck pain, posture is crucial. When we sit at a computer and become absorbed in our job, our posture may deteriorate, contributing to neck pain.
Treatments For Migraine Neck Pain
Trigger point injections may be beneficial in the treatment of migraine neck pain. Trigger points are the "knots" in our muscles that we commonly think of. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a trigger point injection involves injecting a mixture of anesthetic and steroid into the afflicted area.
Occipital nerve blocks are also utilized for those who have headaches or migraines that cause substantial neck pain, such as chronic migraine sufferers.
Migraine and neck discomfort sufferers should consider physical therapy. Physical treatment can help to strengthen neck muscles and calm the entire body. Physical therapists that specialize in addressing the specific parts of the neck involved in migraines are available.
