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Migraines are often associated with moderate to severe, throbbing pain in the head or neck. Many people with migraines also experience neck pain and stiffness, but the relationship between the two is not always clear. While some believe that tense neck muscles can trigger migraines, others argue that neck pain is a symptom of migraines rather than a cause. This type of head pain, known as a cervicogenic headache, starts in the cervical spine or neck region and is caused by issues in the bones, disks, and nerves of the neck. Tense neck muscles may contribute to migraine pain by activating sensory neurons and increasing tension in the neck muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can tense neck muscles cause migraines? | Tense neck muscles are often a symptom of migraines, rather than a cause. |
| Types of headaches | Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines are the most common types of headaches. |
| Tension headaches | Occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract. |
| Cervicogenic headaches | Caused by an issue in the cervical spine or neck, such as arthritis, a slipped disk, or whiplash. |
| Migraines | Caused by abnormal secretion or release of neurotransmitters in the brain. |
| Treatment | Treatment for migraines includes triptans, steroid injections, muscle relaxers, and tricyclic antidepressants. Treatment for tension headaches includes stress management, relaxation exercises, and biofeedback. Treatment for cervicogenic headaches includes physical therapy, nerve blocks, and medications. |
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What You'll Learn
Tension headaches and migraines
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often described as mild to moderate pain that feels like a band tightening around the head. They occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract, and can be a response to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. They may occur at any age but are most common in adults and older teens and are slightly more common in women. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a tension headache, such as typing or computer work, fine work with the hands, or using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache.
Tension headaches can occur alongside migraines. Migraines are caused by the abnormal secretion or release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which travel to the meninges (the outer layer of the brain), resulting in the inflammation of blood vessels and the constriction of arteries supplying blood to the brain.
Neck pain and stiffness are commonly associated with migraines. Research has shown that about 89% of people who experience migraines also have neck pain. However, it is not clear whether neck pain is a symptom of migraine or a separate condition causing migraine symptoms. New research indicates that neck pain is a symptom of migraine rather than a cause. This research suggests that cervicogenic headaches, which start in the cervical spine or neck region, are distinct from migraines. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by issues in the structures of the neck, including bones, disks, and nerves, and are often made worse by certain movements. Migraines, on the other hand, are associated with moderate to severe throbbing pain in the head or neck, along with other symptoms like nausea and increased sensitivity to sound or light.
While tension headaches are typically mild to moderate in severity and do not cause nausea or vomiting, they can be treated at home through stress management, relaxation exercises, meditation, biofeedback, and massaging sore muscles. Keeping a headache diary can also help identify triggers to reduce the frequency of headaches. For more severe or persistent headaches, medical attention may be required, and doctors can recommend treatments such as oral or injectable pain prevention medications, muscle relaxers, or triptans.
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Migraine diagnosis
Migraines are a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting over 39 million Americans. They can be chronic, occurring 15 or more days per month over three months, or episodic, occurring fewer than 15 days per month.
When diagnosing migraines, it's important to rule out serious underlying causes and diseases, such as ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, or brain tumours. A doctor will perform a full neurological examination, evaluating mental status, motor strength, vision, and reflex testing. They may also assess the function of the nerves connected to the brainstem (the cranial nerves) by testing sensation in the face, hearing, eye movements, and the ability to move the head, neck, and shoulders.
Migraines are often accompanied by an aura, a physiological warning sign preceding the headache. Visual aura is the most common type, with patients experiencing flashing dots or lights, blind spots, distorted vision, temporary vision loss, or wavy or jagged lines. Auras can also affect other senses, causing tinnitus, changes in smell, taste, or touch, or a "funny feeling". Migraines without aura do not include visual or sensory symptoms but can last from 4 to 72 hours and involve pulsating pain of moderate to severe intensity on one or both sides of the head.
While neck pain and stiffness are commonly associated with migraines, it is unclear whether this is a symptom or a separate condition causing migraine symptoms. A recent study found that 89% of people with migraines experience neck pain, but most did not have anatomical issues with their necks. This suggests that neck pain may be a symptom of migraines rather than a cause. However, it is important to have a personalized assessment to determine whether there are any underlying anatomical causes of neck pain.
To manage migraine symptoms, it is important to identify triggers, which may include anxiety, stress, hormonal changes, bright or flashing lights, or certain foods and drinks. Keeping a headache diary can help identify these triggers and develop a treatment plan.
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Neck pain as a migraine symptom
Neck pain and migraines are closely linked. Research has found that about 89% of people who experience migraines also have neck pain. However, it is not always clear which one causes the other.
Neck pain can be a symptom of migraines. Migraines are caused by the abnormal secretion or release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Once released, they travel to the meninges, the outer layer of the brain, resulting in the inflammation of blood vessels and the constriction of arteries supplying blood to the brain. This can lead to pain in the head and neck.
Additionally, neck muscle stiffness could be caused by alterations in muscles, such as inflammation or trigger points, which may activate sensory neurons and contribute to migraine pain. Repeated migraine attacks may also lead to central cervical sensitization and lower pressure pain thresholds associated with increased tension in the neck muscles. This suggests that neck pain can be a symptom of migraines, rather than a cause.
Furthermore, cervicogenic headaches, which are caused by issues in the cervical spine or neck, can be mistaken for migraines. These headaches are often associated with reduced neck mobility and can be caused by conditions such as arthritis, a slipped disk, or whiplash. While cervicogenic headaches may feel like migraines, they typically do not include additional migraine symptoms such as light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting.
It is important to note that the relationship between neck pain and migraines is complex, and there may be other factors involved. For example, tension headaches, which are caused by tense or contracted neck and scalp muscles, can occur alongside migraines. These headaches are often associated with stress, depression, anxiety, and activities that involve holding the head in one position for a long time.
In summary, while the exact nature of the link between neck pain and migraines is still being studied, it is clear that neck pain is a common symptom of migraines. If you are experiencing neck pain and migraines, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized assessment and accurate diagnosis.
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Cervicogenic headaches
A cervicogenic headache is a common chronic and recurrent headache that usually starts after neck movement. It is a secondary headache, meaning that it is caused by another illness or physical issue. It is referred pain, meaning that the source of the pain is different from the part of the body where the pain is felt. The pain usually occurs on one side of the head and starts in the neck. It is caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its component bone, disc, and/or soft tissue elements.
The treatment for cervicogenic headaches should target the cause of the pain in the neck and may include nerve blocks, medications, physical therapy, and exercise. Physical therapy and an ongoing exercise regimen often produce the best outcomes. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are important for cervicogenic headaches to prevent further complications.
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Migraine treatment
Migraines are caused by the abnormal secretion or release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Once released, they travel to the meninges (the outer layer of the brain), resulting in the inflammation of blood vessels and the constriction of arteries supplying blood to the brain.
While there is no cure for migraines and no universally defined way to manage the disease, there are several treatment options available. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to determine the cause of the migraine, as there can sometimes be a variety of different factors at play.
Treatment Options
- Over-the-counter medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are a common and effective treatment for migraines.
- Prescription medications: These include triptans, gepants, ditans, and botox injections.
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist nasal spray: This is a recently approved treatment for the acute treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults.
- Greater occipital nerve (GON) block: This involves an injection into the back of the head to help prevent migraine attacks.
- Supplements: Riboflavin, magnesium, and co-enzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent migraine attacks.
- Acupuncture: This involves inserting fine needles into the body and may help prevent migraine attacks.
- Physical therapy: This can be an effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches, which often involve a reduced range of motion of the neck.
In addition to these treatments, it is important to address any factors triggering migraines and to avoid them to prevent the onset of headaches. This may include stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, and biofeedback. Maintaining good posture, exercising the neck and shoulders, and getting enough sleep and rest can also help prevent tension headaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Tense neck muscles can cause tension headaches, which can occur simultaneously with migraines. However, it is unclear whether tense neck muscles directly cause migraines.
Tension headaches are a type of headache that occurs when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract. They are the most common type of headache and are often described as mild to moderate pain that feels like a band tightening around the head.
Mild to moderate tension headaches can often be treated at home without medical attention. Treatments include massaging the scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck, practicing good posture, and getting plenty of sleep and rest.
Tension headaches can be prevented by avoiding or changing triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help identify these triggers. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and biofeedback may also help prevent tension headaches.
