Headache in the neck
Headache is a common public health problem that can be caused by many things. Headache from the neck is difficult to distinguish as it resembles migraine. Headache originating from the neck is often confused with headache caused by eye strain, stress, fatigue or trauma. Therefore, the pain may be caused by In order to call it tension-type or migraine pain, it is necessary to exclude the possibility that it originates in the neck. Many people who think they have migraine The source may be neck muscles, neck flattening, spinal canal stenosis or neck hernia.
What are the symptoms of a headache in the neck?
In addition to throbbing pain, the following complaints may be observed:
● Pain on one side of your head or face
● Stiff neck
● Pain around the eyes
● Pain when coughing or sneezing
● Pain that increases and decreases with certain neck postures or movement
● Pain radiating from the neck and neck to the head
Headaches originating in the neck can also cause symptoms similar to migraine headaches, such as light and noise sensitivity, blurred vision and stomach upset.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by physical examination using imaging methods (MRI). The cause of headache coming from the neck is cervical hernia, spinal canal stenosis, tension-type headache, cervical lordosis (neck flattening).
Treatment
Treatment is based on the cause of the pain. Tension-type headache is caused by contraction of the neck muscles. It is temporary. Neck exercises, avoiding stress, hot water, swimming, sports, massage relieve tension. Neck flattening is related to poor posture. In long-term posture disorders, the natural posture of the spine is disturbed. As a result, the spinal muscles contract in different directions. Physical therapy, development of the neck muscles, painkiller ointments and changes in posture reduce the pain. In rare cases, if it progresses, it may cause kyphosis and start to put pressure on the spinal nerves. In this case, surgical treatment may be required.
Another cause of neck pain is cervical hernia and spinal canal stenosis. In both conditions, surgical treatment is the last option. Painkillers as much as possible and exercises are used to relieve pain. Non-surgical pain treatments such as ozone therapy, radiofrequency ablation therapy for increasing long-term pain is conceivable.
Headache from the neck can cause long-term, recurrent head and neck pain. For treatment, it is necessary to consult a neurosurgeon to find out the source of the pain. Physical therapy, changes in posture and strengthening of the muscles usually reduce the pain. Hernia that cannot be eliminated in any other way, including methods such as ozone therapy Surgical treatment may be required for pain caused by spinal stenosis or spinal canal stenosis.
For information and treatment, you can contact Associate Professor Dr. Ali Yilmaz here.