Neck pain and headaches often happen at the same time, and sometimes, it can be tricky to figure out where the pain originated initially!

It gets even trickier when you have a migraine. This is because migraines can take different forms, and their causes and symptoms can also vary. From poor sleep to stress or certain medications, there can be a myriad of reasons for headaches, and it all becomes even more painful when the headache is accompanied by neck pain.

If you have suffered the same, you might be wondering if your headache is the cause behind the neck pain too. Let’s find out!

Is Neck Pain A Symptom Or The Reason Of Your Migraines?

So, what is the deal? Is that neck pain you are feeling a sign that a migraine is coming on, or is the tension in your neck actually triggering the migraine?

As for migraines, neck pain is commonly a symptom, not the source. Sure, a tight neck is not helping things – it can even lead to a different kind of headache referred to as a cervicogenic headache. However, it usually does not cause a migraine.

In most cases, migraines actually lead to neck pain. For instance, you might start feeling neck pain during the early phase, which is that period a few hours before the migraine hits when you are starting to notice those early warning signs.

And it does not stop there! Many people experience neck pain when having a migraine, particularly if they suffer from chronic migraines. In fact, the majority of individuals with chronic migraines report neck pain as part of their migraine experience.

The Causes of Neck Pain Triggered By Headaches

As mentioned earlier, many individuals tend to treat their migraines by focusing solely on neck pain. They try treatments like cervical epidural injections or even surgeries, but these usually do not help. Before you consider any aggressive treatments, it is important to understand the connection between neck pain and headache.

Sometimes, the neck pain is not actually a neck issue but referred pain from the migraine itself. Even though it feels like the neck is hurting, the source is the migraine in the head. This type of neck pain usually only happens during a migraine and fades once the migraine is over. Although some mild neck or shoulder tightness between migraines is not uncommon.

On the other hand, neck pain from conditions like a herniated disk or arthritis can cause headaches, too. This type of neck pain can trigger migraines or lead to a different kind of headache called cervicogenic headache.

Here, neck pain is more constant and does not just come and go with the headache. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like occipital neuralgia or pain shooting from the neck down to the arms. You might also notice that the headache is more one-sided or worsens with neck movement.

So, neck pain can come from either direction – migraines causing neck pain or neck issues causing headaches. Figuring out where the pain is coming from helps in treating both the headache and neck pain effectively.

That said, some people experience a bit of both, with both cervical spine issues and migraines. Occipital neuralgia is common in both migraines and cervicogenic headaches, but if there is constant severe neck pain, it could indicate a stronger cervicogenic factor.

Relieving Your Neck Pain Triggered By Headache

If your neck pain is likely caused by your migraines, then treating the migraine may help ease both the head and neck discomfort. There are various treatments available, like oral medications or botox injections, that can help manage your migraines and reduce the associated pain.

In addition to addressing the migraine, you can also opt for specific treatments aimed directly at your neck pain. For instance, therapies like trigger point injections and electrical stimulation therapy can target the tension in your neck that is contributing to the discomfort.

Final Thoughts

When you are dealing with both migraines and neck pain, tackling the main reason, i.e., the migraine, is vital for finding long-lasting relief. If you want to speed up the process, you can even opt for treatments directly for your neck to alleviate that tension.

Hence, understanding whether your neck pain is caused by your migraine or a separate condition will help you find the right treatment. Also, consider consulting with a professional to make a treatment plan which caters to both your headaches and neck pain for a more effective solution.