3 Headache Types That May Include Neck Pain
By Amy Silva
There are different types of headaches with varying causes. If neck pain is lingering, headaches seem constant, come on frequently or are otherwise concerning, be sure to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and visit the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to find out if they can assist in your care.
Tension Headaches
Pain from tension headaches can cause light pain or pressure on the head, neck and shoulders. Many people who suffer from tension headaches believe stress brings them on, but the true cause isn't known. It's thought that making healthy life choices when it pertains to diet, exercise and sleep, and relaxing, can help prevent many tension headaches. If tension headaches are chronic your doctor may prescribe medication or suggest other treatments; chiropractic may be able to eliminate them without medication.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are caused specifically by an issue within the neck that involves the bones, muscles or nerves. They differ from tension headaches because the pain directly involves the neck, whereas you may have pain in the neck with a tension headache, but the pain doesn't originate in the neck. Symptoms will vary from person to person but can include a sore neck that is difficult to move or feels tight, pain on the face, and sensitivity to noise and light. Other symptoms include worsening pain when the neck is in a specific position, and headaches. In some cases, it's possible to alleviate some pain on your own by maintaining good posture and adding heat or ice to the neck and switching between them throughout the day. Other times a doctor may have you try physical therapy, such as seeing a chiropractor. Over-the-counter medications can also help. Surgery may be required if the cervicogenic headaches are more severe and can't be corrected through chiropractic.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines don't cause neck pain; it's neck pain that may cause migraines. Migraines have many triggers such as not getting adequate sleep, the changing of the seasons, or drinking too much alcohol, to name a few. Pain can radiate from one side of the head to other areas and be so intense that the sufferer has stomach pain and vomits. Sensitivity to noise, light and sound are common, as is a feeling of pounding in the head where the pain is. Pain can sometimes be managed by making healthy life choices, but OTC medications are another option as well as a plan and treatment from a doctor.
Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine headaches have similarities, but it's best to see your doctor to be diagnosed and be given a proper treatment plan rather than diagnosing yourself. Chiropractic care may help headaches by treating issues in the neck. Visit The Joint Chiropractic to find out if you can get relief from your headache symptoms.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Buckhead, Ga.