گردن درد و سردرد یکی از عارضه‌های شایعی است که بسیاری از افراد آن را تجربه می‌کنند. Neck pain can cause headaches, especially Cervicogenic Headache, which originates from the neck muscles and joints. The pain usually starts from the back of the head and moves to the temples, ears, shoulders, and even hands. If it is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or severe dizziness, it may be dangerous and requires medical attention.

If your neck also hurts or feels tight during a headache, this is not unfamiliar to many people. Many people ask about this problem: What are the symptoms of neck pain and headache? Does a cervical disc cause headaches? When is it dangerous?

In this article, we will answer these questions and examine quick and basic treatment solutions.

Read more: Neck and arm pain

Connection between neck pain and headache

Cervical nerves (C1 to C3) pain pathway are transferred from the neck to the head. This neuro-muscular connection is the main cause of headaches caused by the neck.

Headaches related to the neck

• Cervicogenic Headache: Unilateral pain starts from the neck or back of the head and worsens with neck movement.
• Tension Headache: It is caused by spasm of the neck and shoulder muscles and is often bilateral. Shoulder: The pain can also involve the top of the ear, the back of the head, or the right and left shoulder.

Common causes of neck pain with headache

1. Spasm and cramping of the neck muscles

• Muscle pressure caused by stress or long work with mobile phones and computers
• Incorrect body position
• Pain with the back of the head, shoulder and sometimes above the ear

2. Osteoarthritis of the neck and wear and tear of the vertebrae

• Common in old age
• Chronic pain with limited range of motion
• May cause headache and mild dizziness

Read more: Neck osteoarthritis and Headache

3. Cervical disc

• Herniated or bulging cervical disc puts pressure on the nerve roots.
• Symptoms include neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and headache at the back of the head.

4. Stress and anxiety

Chronic muscle tension causes tension headache and neck pain.

5. Sleep problems and inappropriate pillows

Can cause muscle cramps and pain in the back of the head and neck when waking up

Read more: What is the cause of neck pain after sleep

Symptoms and symptoms

• Headache with neck pain: usually starts at the back of the head
• Pain behind the head and neck: can be caused by muscle or disc pressure.
• Neck pain and dizziness: may be caused by involvement of the upper cervical vertebrae or vertebral blood flow disorder.
• Neck and right or left shoulder pain: usually referred from the muscles Neck or nerve pressure
• Headache above the ear with neck pain: the C2-C3 nerve pathway is involved.
• Numbness of the hand or tingling in the fingers: a warning sign of serious nerve pressure.
• Balance disorder or sudden severe headache: requires immediate medical examination.

Diagnosis and medical examination

To accurately diagnose the cause of neck headache or nerve pressure caused by a disc:

• MRI of the neck: examination Disc herniation and pressure on the nerve root
• Examination by a neurologist or orthopedist
• Evaluation of the condition of the muscles and spine

Quick treatment of neck pain (immediate relief)

• Warm or cold compress for 15-20 minutes
• Short-term rest and reduction of stressful activities
• Correction of body position and monitor height
• Light stretching exercises Neck

Read more: Morning back pain

Basic and long-term treatment

Neck physiotherapy

• Corrective and strengthening exercises
• Reducing muscle spasm and nerve pressure
• Useful To reduce neck headaches

Read more: Exercise for neck pain

Pharmaceutical treatment (prescribed by a doctor)

• Muscle relaxants
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other methods

• Lifestyle modification: regular physical activity, proper sleep and stress reduction
• In severe cases: local injections or manual therapy
• Surgery in emergency situations or Failure to respond to conservative treatment

Read more: Headache left side

Prevention and lifestyle tips

• Maintain the correct body position when working on mobile phones and computers
• Rest every 30-45 minutes
• Use a medical pillow for Supporting the neck while sleeping
• Daily stretching exercises and strengthening the neck muscles
• Stress and anxiety management

People's experience of this condition

Many people have experienced that quick relief with compresses or drugs is not enough and chronic pain has been reduced only by physical therapy and lifestyle modification. This experience shows the importance of correct diagnosis and basic treatment.

Summary

Neck pain and headache are usually caused by neuro-muscular connection and neck muscle spasm, and in many cases it is harmless. But whenever numbness, tingling, weakness or severe dizziness appear, a medical examination is definitely necessary. Accurate diagnosis, scientific treatment and modification of lifestyle are the best ways to get rid of these pains. Common