Neck Pain and Headaches
(see also Muscle Balance Breakthrough)
Learn how we can help you understand and prevent your neck pain and headaches
Headaches affect 2/3 of the population. The most common cause of chronic headaches is pain originating from the upper part of the neck associated with poor posture. These headaches can cause pain symptoms in the eye area, front, side and back of the head. These often have associated symptoms such as dizziness and nausea.
Can migraines come from my spine?
 |
A true migraine is a headache with an aura and other nerve type symptoms such as facial numbness and even visual problems etc. Causes of migraines vary from individual to individual and may include dietary factors such as caffeine, chocolate, or wine.
Migraines can however be triggered by poor posture, problems with the joints in the upper part of the spine and muscle imbalances especially in the upper part of the neck. |
Although a true migraine is often triggered by other causes, physiotherapy used to resolve upper neck problems can reduce the number of migraines suffered by taking away one of the triggers.
Let us show you how to take control
Any of the following may predispose you to chronic neck pain and headaches. If you suffer from any of these please contact your physiotherapist for a check up:
- Whiplashes- especially if neck pain is ongoing. People with pins and needles in the arm following this trauma may need more treatment to resolve their symptoms fully.
- Poking your head forward from the neck- this increases the stresses on the joints and muscles at the top of the neck and can lead to pain.
- Rounded shoulders or tightness in the shoulders or upper back - this throws the head into a position which will cause strain.
- Pins and needles in your arms or hands as a result of or repetitive stresses.
- Heavy and swollen arms.
- Stiff neck in the morning.
- A thickened lump of tissue at the base of your neck.
- Recurring neck pain when writing or word processing or sitting for many hours
The main cause of neck pain and headaches is poor posture. Long term this causes muscle, ligament and joint stresses especially at the top of the spine which compresses the joints and other tissues causing pain to spread into the shoulders, arms and hands.
How do I stop my pain from coming back?
As in the lower back, once pain has occurred in the neck, the muscles that provide segmental (joint to joint) stability stop working normally. These muscles must be re-educated using specific exercises to prevent the recurrence of your problem. (See our Chronic Spinal Pain information sheet.)
Physiotherapy to the neck consists of loosening the joints and soft tissues and improving your posture hence taking the stresses away.
Not only will you benefit by less pain, blood will flow to your brain more easily and may even improve your concentration.
back to top |
