Logan Steele
Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is a common condition affecting 10-20% of adults, and it can have many causes, including physical changes related to strain, injury, aging, or stress. A pulled neck muscle can cause head pain in the form of a cervicogenic headache, which is a type of secondary headache resulting from an underlying condition affecting the cervical spine or neck. This can include muscle spasms, arthritis, a pinched nerve, or a slipped disk. Cervicogenic headaches can cause pain and muscle stiffness around the neck and can be treated with physical therapy and medication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Headache | Cervicogenic Headache |
| Cause | An injury or condition affecting the cervical spine or neck |
| Symptoms | Pain and muscle stiffness around the neck area |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, medication, radiofrequency ablation, TENS units, neuromodulation |
| Prevention | Good posture, positioning of electronic devices, sleeping with a pillow for support |
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What You'll Learn
Cervicogenic headaches
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache, meaning it is caused by an underlying condition. The pain originates in the neck and is referred from bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. It is a common chronic and recurrent headache that usually starts after neck movement, such as tilting the head forward to look at a phone or computer, and is accompanied by a reduced range of motion of the neck. The pain can be unilateral, starting at the bottom of the head and moving up either the right or left side, or it can develop in the back of the head and radiate to the front, right behind the eyes.
Several types of injuries to the neck can lead to cervicogenic headaches, including fractures or broken necks, sprained muscles, slipped or herniated discs, and pinched nerves. These injuries can be caused by weakened bones, traumatic events such as car accidents, or sudden forceful movements of the neck, such as in a rear-end car collision.
The diagnosis of cervicogenic headaches can be challenging due to the referred pain and similar symptoms to other types of headaches. A physical exam is typically conducted, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches should address the underlying cause of the pain in the neck and may include nerve blocks, medications, physical therapy, and exercise. Physical therapy and ongoing exercise regimens often produce the best outcomes.
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Neck pain causes
Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is a common condition, affecting 10-20% of adults, and it is more prevalent in women. It can be caused by physical changes related to strain, injury, or aging, or it may be related to stress.
Strains and Muscle Pulls
Overusing neck muscles during repetitive or strenuous activities can lead to stiffness and pain. This can be prevented by practising good posture, especially when seated or using electronic devices, and ensuring proper sleep positioning. Staying active and performing neck stretches can also help prevent and relieve neck pain.
Aging and Degenerative Conditions
As individuals age, natural wear and tear can cause deterioration or degeneration in the cervical spine, leading to neck pain. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (joint cartilage wear) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) can contribute to this pain. Over time, stress and repeated movements can weaken the spinal discs, resulting in herniated discs or pinched nerves.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache resulting from an underlying condition affecting the cervical spine or neck. The pain originates in the neck and spreads to the head, often accompanied by muscle stiffness. Causes can include muscle spasms, arthritis, pinched nerves, slipped discs, or sprained muscles. These headaches can be challenging to diagnose due to referred pain, and they are often confused with tension headaches or migraines.
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Treatment options
A pulled neck muscle or neck strain can cause head pain, which is known as a cervicogenic headache. This type of headache is caused by an injury or condition affecting the cervical spine or neck. The pain typically originates from the bony structures or soft tissues in the neck.
Manual Manipulation
Manual manipulation involves a trained medical professional adjusting your neck and back to realign joints, improve your neck's range of motion, and reduce pain.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an effective way to loosen and relax the neck muscles. It can also increase blood flow to any damaged tissues, providing additional relief. Massage therapy is sometimes offered together with manual manipulation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the neck. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises that you can eventually continue at home as needed.
Medication
In rare cases, a neck strain may require prescription medication to manage the pain. Over-the-counter medications can also be effective in treating mild to moderate pain associated with a pulled neck muscle.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into key pressure points in the body to restore balanced energy flows and reduce pain. While not clinically proven, anecdotal evidence indicates that acupuncture can provide pain relief for neck strain.
Preventative Measures
To prevent neck pain and associated headaches, it is important to practice good posture, especially when using electronic devices or sleeping. Maintaining proper alignment of the shoulders, back, and neck can reduce strain on the neck muscles. Staying active and performing neck exercises can also help prevent and relieve neck pain.
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Headache diagnosis
Headaches are a common condition, and the main symptom is pain in the head or face. This pain is often described as throbbing or constant pressure. While most headaches are not dangerous, some can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
To diagnose a headache, a doctor will ask about your headache history and symptoms, including frequency, intensity, duration, location, and any known triggers. They will also conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history and family history of headaches. It is helpful to bring past medical records, imaging scans, and lab studies to your appointment.
A neurological examination may also be performed, which can include an evaluation of your mental status, motor strength, vision, and reflexes. The doctor may also assess the function of the nerves connected to the brainstem by testing for sensation in the face, checking hearing and eye movements, and observing your ability to move your head, neck, and shoulders.
If a headache is caused by an underlying condition, the doctor may recommend treating that condition first to see if it resolves the headaches. Primary headaches can be treated with medications and nerve block procedures.
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache caused by an underlying condition affecting the cervical spine or neck. The pain can originate from the bony structures or soft tissues in the neck and is considered referred pain. This type of headache can be caused by a pinched nerve, slipped disk, or broken vertebra, among other things.
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Prevention strategies
A pulled neck muscle or a neck strain can cause head pain. This happens when one or more fibres in a neck muscle or tendon stretch too far and tear. This can be caused by a sudden impact or jarring movement, such as in an automobile accident, or by overusing neck muscles during repetitive or strenuous activities. Poor posture, weak abdominal muscles and heavier body weight can also contribute to neck strain and subsequent head pain.
Posture
Position electronic devices, like computers and phones, so you don't have to slouch or strain your neck when using them. Hold your phone or other devices up to eye level instead of bending your head down to look at them. Keep your shoulders aligned and your back straight when seated so you're not straining your neck. Adjust the seats in your car to maintain good posture while travelling.
Sleep Position
Maintain good posture when you're asleep. If you sleep on your back or side, use a pillow to support your head so your head and neck are aligned with the rest of your body. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow underneath your knees to take additional pressure off your lower back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned.
Stay Active
Take breaks from sitting in one position for long periods and move around to stretch your entire body, including your neck muscles. Regular stretching can help release tension in your neck muscles. Try exercises such as head presses, head tilts, shoulder blade squeezes, scapular squeezes, standing push-ups and theraband rowing.
Manage Stress
Tightening your neck muscles because you're stressed can lead to neck pain and stiffness. Manage stress with healthy coping strategies such as meditation, exercise, talk therapy or journaling.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can lead to disc degeneration and poor healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pulled or strained neck muscle can cause head pain. This type of headache is called a cervicogenic headache, which is caused by an injury or condition affecting the cervical spine or neck.
The main symptom is head pain that originates in the neck, often accompanied by muscle stiffness and pain in the neck area. The pain typically starts from the back of the neck and radiates up to one side of the head. Other symptoms can include neck instability, numbness or tingling in the shoulders or arms, and sensitivity to light.
A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to assess your head and neck alignment and range of motion. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment options include physical therapy, manual manipulation, massage therapy, acupuncture, prescription medications, and surgical procedures such as radiofrequency ablation and neuromodulation. The goal of treatment is to remove the source of the pain and improve flexibility and muscle strength in the neck.
To prevent neck strain and associated headaches, it is important to maintain good posture, especially when sitting for long periods or using electronic devices. Keep your shoulders aligned and your back straight, and avoid slouching or straining your neck. Stay active and perform neck exercises to strengthen the neck muscles and improve flexibility.
