Causes of Neck Pain and Headaches

Many athletes that suffer from neck pain and headaches describe their headaches as starting at the bottom or base of the neck. From there it moves up their neck, to their eyes, temples and then their head. This is important because it tells the doctor that the headache is referred pain caused by an injury to the athlete’s body or neck. There are many different types of headaches and severity levels but what many people do not realize is there is often a connection between neck pain and headaches. A person suffering from a stiff neck may experience a very tense painful feeling in their neck that sends sharp pains every time they move or turn their head. To make matters worse, they have a headache at the same time. A common symptom of a stiff neck is neck pain and headaches.

In most cases, a cervical spasm or stiff neck is very painful but not considered serious. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or using a pillow that does not support your neck and head properly is often the cause of neck pain and headaches resulting from sore muscles.

One of the most common causes of neck pain and headaches is poor posture. Poor posture habits are easy to start because most of the time you do not realize that your posture is bad. Curling up in front of the television, working on the computer with the screen positioned too high or low, reading in bed, carrying a heavy purse over your shoulder, or slouching while you walk can all cause neck pain and headaches.

Other causes of neck pain and headaches include medical conditions and diseases such as high blood pressure and meningitis. One of the many signs of meningitis is worsening neck pain when you move your chin downward, towards your chest. Severe headaches and neck pain can occur after an accident such as falling off a high ladder or suffering a blow to the head resulting in a concussion.

If you are suffering from a frequent stiff neck, neck pain and headaches or the pain continues to worsen, seek medical attention to find out the cause of your pain so you can receive the proper medical treatment. Also, consult your doctor if your neck pain and headaches do not start to lessen within twenty-four hours, you feel confused or nauseated, you are experiencing tingling sensations in your arms, or for any other unusual symptoms. Talk to your physician first if you are interested in starting any type of home exercise program to help relieve your neck pain and headaches.

Neck Pain Exercises Can Help

Neck pain exercises can help many people control their neck pain but before starting any type of neck pain exercises, always talk to your medical practitioner or physiotherapist because they can sometimes make a persons pain worse. Also, if you have a serious underlying condition or other medical problems, seek medical advice first before starting neck exercises. A range of full movement, motion exercises done daily is a good way to stretch your neck muscles, prevent stiffness, and help control the pain in your neck. Regular performance of neck pain exercises may be able to help you regain some loss of neck movement, maintain or increase your necks range of motion, and reduce or control the pain. For people suffering from chronic and debilitating neck pain, simple motion, neck pain exercises may help you tolerate more activity or help your neck mobility but are not always effectual in fighting or reducing neck pain.

To get the maximum results from neck pain exercises, do them on a regular basis a set number of times daily and keep the movements steady and slow. Moving too quickly or jerking when doing your neck pain exercises can cause neck strain and pain instead of reducing them.

Stretching neck pain exercises work well for preserving or restoring motion range. A neck bending exercise starts by holding your head and neck in a neutral position, lowering your chin to try to touch your chest, and holding this position for a few seconds. With each exercise, breathe in slowly and exhale gradually to relax your back and neck muscles. Neck tilting is another of the many good neck pain exercises. Start by tilting your head to the left trying to touch your shoulder with your ear while using your fingertips on your left hand to apply pressure to your temple. After a few seconds of holding this position, return to center and repeat but this time tilting your head left. With neck rotation exercises, slowly turn your head right. Use your fingertips to put tension or pressure on your chin. After a few seconds, return to center and repeat the exercise going to the left this time.

Do not do these neck pain exercises if suffer from a pinched neck nerve unless doctor recommended. Although these exercises can help improve your pinched nerve symptoms, they can also increase the pain and do damage if started too soon after an accident or injury. Along with neck pain exercise, maintain good posture by keeping your shoulders back and holding your head up. Also, avoid putting pressure on your shoulders or upper back such as using an over the shoulder purse or backpack.