Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 20, 2021 Headaches with
neck pain can make you feel miserable. But not all of them are the same. Sometimes neck problems are what inspire a throbbing head, or it could be that the headache has another cause that leads to neck issues. Pain signals can be sent by: Stress, poor posture,
caffeine withdrawal, and hangovers all can be causes. Pain relievers and stretches may be all it takes to feel better. In some cases, though, it’s worth seeing your doctor to figure out what’s causing your pain. If you’re tense, muscles in your neck, scalp, shoulders, and jaw can tighten up. That can lead to a tension headache. Depression or anxiety can also cause the same symptoms. Try to eat well and get enough rest. Relaxation strategies like yoga can
help, too. If stress causes you to grind your teeth at night, your dentist might recommend a bite guard. You might consider seeing a mental health professional to find out what’s causing your feelings. To ease your pain on your own, you can try: There are relaxation techniques that can also help, like: Check in with your doctor if your tension headaches make you take pain meds more than twice a week or if they disrupt your daily life. Also, make an appointment if the pattern or symptoms of your headaches change. MigraineMigraine headaches are different from tension headaches. If you have a migraine, the pain is throbbing and can be moderate to severe. Symptoms may also include:
There are many potential migraine triggers, such as: Over-the-counter
pain relievers may ease your symptoms if you take a full dose early on after the migraine starts. If these don’t work, check with your doctor, who might prescribe triptans for pain relief or preventative medicine, like: You might explore complementary treatments like
acupuncture, massage, tai chi, and
biofeedback, though it’s unclear how well these work. Dietary supplements are also a way to avoid migraines. Other options that may work include:
Be careful, though. These may not be safe for women who are pregnant or nursing, children, and people taking other medications. Ask your doctor before you take any of these. Also, be sure to tell them about any supplements, drugs, or alternative tools you are using. HangoversToo much alcohol can result in a bad night’s sleep. Either you toss and turn, or you fall into an unusually heavy sleep where your neck is in an uncomfortable position. It’s because alcohol causes the blood vessels in your brain to expand and irritate nearby tissues. All this can cause:
Remedies are the same as those for stress headaches in general, with a few added ideas: hydrate (with water or broth) and enjoy something with fructose (like honey or tomato juice). Poor PostureThis strains your muscles and tendons. That can lead to a headache with neck pain. Things that could help include:
Relaxation techniques like breathing exercises can also help. Caffeine WithdrawalCaffeine withdrawal can cause head and neck pain if you cut out beverages like coffee and tea too quickly. This can make your blood vessels dilate, or expand. That causes the head pain. It’s better to ease off your caffeine step-by-step rather than all at once. When to See a DoctorIn some cases, the things that lead to your headache with neck pain need medical attention. Call your doctor if the pain:
Why does the right side of my head neck and shoulder hurt?It's often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.
Why does my neck and shoulder hurt when I have a headache?Studies show that tension-type headaches often occur alongside an increase in tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles. Tender spots in the muscles or connective tissues of the body are often referred to as trigger points and are painful when touched.
When should I worry about headaches and neck pain?Headaches that get steadily worse. Changes in personality or mental function. Headaches that are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, decreased alertness or memory, or neurological symptoms such as visual disturbances, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or seizures.
Why do I have a headache and my shoulders hurt?Tension headaches occur when neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles become tense. Some people experience tension headaches from time to time; others get them more often. While a tension headache is rarely debilitating, it can certainly make life miserable.
|