Can neck pain lead to an intense headache? Neurologist explains why it happens and how to deal with it

In case you have ever felt a throbbing headache that begins on the base of your cranium and travels up your head, your neck could be in charge. A lesser-known however vital explanation for complications is cervicogenic ache, complications that originate from points within the neck. Not like migraines or pressure complications, these are secondary complications, that means they end result from an underlying downside, usually involving the backbone or muscle mass within the neck. Lengthy hours hunched over screens, poor posture, and even sleeping the incorrect manner could be sufficient to set off this situation. We spoke to Dr Sheetal Goyal, advisor neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, who explains how neck ache and complications could be extra carefully linked than you may assume. Neck ache and complications are sometimes related!(Adobe Inventory) What’s a cervicogenic headache?A cervicogenic headache is a sort of headache that begins within the neck and radiates to the pinnacle. Not like main complications like migraines or pressure complications, cervicogenic complications are secondary, that means they end result from one other medical difficulty, particularly, issues within the cervical backbone (neck). “With a cervicogenic headache, the ache you are feeling in your head originates from the bony constructions or mushy tissues in your neck. It’s a kind of secondary headache, which is a headache brought on by an underlying downside in your neck,” explains Dr Goyal to Well being Photographs. In lots of instances, it is a type of referred ache, the place the precise downside lies in a single a part of the physique, however the discomfort is felt elsewhere. So, whereas the ache could really feel like it’s in your head, the foundation trigger is definitely your neck. What are the signs of cervicogenic headache?Cervicogenic complications usually start with stiffness or tightness within the neck, adopted by ache that spreads to the again of the pinnacle, the temples, and even behind the eyes. “This ache could be average to extreme, but it surely will not be extraordinarily painful,” says Dr Goyal. You may additionally expertise: DizzinessBlurred visionLimited vary of movement within the neckThe headache could worsen with sure neck actions or when strain is utilized on the base of the cranium. These signs could be simply missed or mistaken for a migraine or pressure headache, which makes consciousness and correct prognosis all of the extra essential. Continual headache could be very uncomfortable! (Pexels) Is poor posture the one explanation for cervicogenic headache?Poor posture is a serious contributor, however not the one one. Lengthy hours slouching over desks, laptops, or telephones can pressure the neck and higher backbone. Nevertheless, different components embody: Sleeping in an unnatural positionWhiplash or sudden jerky neck movementsCervical arthritisDisc points within the neckMuscle pressure”Those that work for prolonged durations leaning ahead over a pc or telephone are significantly vulnerable, because the frequent ahead bend locations fixed stress on the cervical backbone,” suggests Dr Goyal. Neglecting these indicators can result in continual neck points, recurring complications, and even diminished mobility over time. Lengthy-term pressure may weaken neck muscle mass and scale back flexibility. Methods to handle or deal with cervicogenic headache at residence?Delicate instances of cervicogenic headache can usually be managed with easy, at-home cures: Heat compress: It might probably assist loosen tight muscle mass.Light stretching: It improves flexibility and reduces stiffness.Correct posture: Sit upright and use a pillow that helps the neck nicely.Frequent breaks: Keep away from sitting for too lengthy. As an alternative, rise up and stretch often.Over-the-counter painkillers: OTC ache reduction will help, however just for short-term use. At all times take a health care provider’s recommendation earlier than consuming any painkillers.Bodily remedy: A every day train plan from a physiotherapist can strengthen neck muscle mass and stop recurrence.Do not forget that persistent ache ought to by no means be ignored, and relying solely on painkillers with out addressing the underlying difficulty could provide solely momentary reduction.