Neck pain and headaches are frequently addressed together. Headache due to neck pain might make it difficult to move the head and/or concentrate on work. While headaches can create stiff and uncomfortable neck muscles, a problem in your neck, such as inflamed nerves, can also induce headaches. Today, I’m going to talk about how to get rid of a headache caused by neck pain. But first, let’s look at the common causes of neck pain.
What Causes Neck Pain?
The neck consists of seven bones that support the head while also allowing nerves to flow from the spine to the brain. Pain can develop when any portion of the neck is injured or strained. The following are some of the most common causes of neck pain:
Car Driving
Neck pain might be caused by the way you drive. If your seat is too far back or too low, you’re more likely to put a strain on your neck, which eventually causes neck pain. Apart from this, if you frequently drive for long periods, you may develop eye strain, which can contribute to neck stiffness.
Computer Use
Sitting at a desk or in front of a computer all day is known to cause spinal problems, including neck pain. If your computer monitor is set too low or too high, you will have to strain your neck to view the screen well, putting additional strain on your neck.
Excessive Mobile Usage
You could feel soreness in your neck if you use your mobile excessively. The curve of your neck is affected when you look at your phone with your head lowered and shoulders bowed, which can lead to neck pain. When you’re slumped forward, your neck takes on additional weight and pressure, which can cause muscle tension.
Body Posture
Wrong body posture can also contribute to neck pain. While some people appear to have great posture when standing or sitting, many others slouch or stoop. Poor posture can place additional stress on your neck while relaxing or walking, resulting in pain.
Injuries
Injuries are one of the major reasons for neck pain. A car accident or another sort of injury can result in chronic discomfort in the neck. Whiplash, for example, happens when the neck is rapidly wrenched forward and backwards.
Sleeping Position
If your sleeping position is poor, you are more likely to develop neck pain. It’s critical to sleep with your head and neck supported appropriately. Some people, particularly those who sleep on their stomachs, put a lot of strain on their spines by turning their necks to one side and arching their backs when sleeping.
Methods To Relieve Headache Caused By Neck Pain
Here are the top methods to alleviate headaches and neck pain. Just keep in mind that if a treatment makes your discomfort worse, you should discontinue it and consult a doctor.
Apply Firm Pressure.
Compression on the temples, forehead, and/or back of the neck may provide relief from the pain of tension headaches and migraines. You can apply pressure with your palms, fingertips, or a cloth wrapped around your head.
Heat Therapy.
Headaches in certain conditions are caused by blood vessel constriction, which can be relieved by placing a hot pack on the back of the neck. Apart from relieving neck pain, it can also make you feel more relaxed. To avoid skin injury, limit heat treatment applications to 15 minutes with at least 2 hours of rest in between.
Using Ice Pack
Cold therapy relieves pain by decreasing blood flow and reducing muscle spasms and inflammation. A cold pack applied to the forehead, temples, or neck may help treat neck pain. Migraine sufferers may find that ice packs provide greater relief than heat packs. To avoid skin injury, limit cold treatment sessions to 15 minutes with at least 2 hours of rest between applications.
Maintain Good Posture
Spending hours at a time slouched at a desk or over a computer with a forward head posture puts extra strain on the muscles and joints of the neck. This bad posture might cause neck pain and/or headaches. Maintain a neutral head position with the ears directly above the shoulders and hips, which better balances the head on the cervical spine. Try to take breaks from sitting and do some basic exercises in addition to maintaining good posture.
Sleep
A healthy sleep schedule is essential for general wellness. A lack of sleep can cause headaches or make an existing headache chronic. According to some research, sleeping longer than normal can cause tension headaches to develop or worsen.
Choose The Right Pillow
A good pillow can help relieve neck pain and eventually headaches by supporting the natural curvature of your neck. While pillows vary in height, form, material, and firmness, no single pillow is considered the best for everyone. The best pillow for you is determined by your own preferences as well as your head-neck alignment. Experiment with different pillows to find which one makes your neck feel the most comfortable in the morning.
Consult A Doctor
If you have tried everything told above and your neck pain or headache is not relieving, it’s time to consult a doctor. A doctor can assist in the formulation of a treatment plan. Headaches and neck pain may be relieved with physical therapy. It also helps in the strengthening of the neck and back muscles, resulting in improved posture and function.
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