Is your neck causing Headaches?

Headaches can be painful, annoying, and relentless. If you have been having migraines or headaches that affect your ability to work, play, concentrate, or sleep, you realize the effect headaches can have on your life.

Headaches can have many causes, but one commonly missed cause is your cervical spine (aka your neck). Some neck muscles attach directly to the bottom of your skull which is a common source of headaches. Headaches caused by these muscles start at the base of your skull in the back and may be accompanied by neck stiffness or pain. Rubbing or massaging the top part of your neck may relieve your symptoms temporarily. Since these muscles attach to both your neck and your spine, they can become tight or irritated due to poor posture, weakness in your neck muscles, or stiffness in your neck.

The muscles at your upper shoulders (upper trap muscles) are another common cause of headaches. When these muscles become tight or irritated, they can cause pain that wraps up behind your ear. It is often accompanied by a feeling of tightness or pain when you lean your ear toward your shoulder.

Another cause of headaches related to your neck is your vestibular system. The vestibular system is closely linked with your cervical spine and can be another cause of neck pain. Neck muscles play an important role in letting your brain know where your head is in space. For example, there are fibers in your muscles that tell your brain when your head is turned or straight. If these muscles become tight or injured, they no longer send a true signal which can lead to headaches and dizziness.

Your neck, eyes, and vestibular system work together to help your brain know the position of your head and neck.

If you have headaches that seem to increase with certain head movements, driving, turning your head, or looking down for long periods of time, you should get your neck evaluated by a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Physical Therapists are experts in ruling out your neck as a cause of your pain.

Take a moment to imagine your life without headaches!