If you get recurrent pain at the base of your head, above your eyes or temples, the chances are that you have a cervicogenic headache. This type of headache occurs when ligaments, muscles and joints around the neck area have problems. There are pain points around the neck that send signals to the brain. The brain, in turn, interprets the signals as if coming from the head. That is why you get a headache. This may be accompanied by pain on the neck if there are injuries or bruising in the area. If you suffer from migraine, neck pain can cause a migraine headache.
What is the Cause of Neck Pain?
Neck pain, along with cervicogenic headaches, may be caused by trauma at the base of your head, such as a whiplash accident. They can also be caused by prolonged load on your neck. For example, if you spend lots of time slouching on your seat or bending in front of your computer, you may experience neck pain. Poor posture and sleeping habits may also put a load on the trapezius muscle, which may trigger neck pain. In some cases, shoulder pain has been known to cause neck pain and headaches because of the interconnection of muscles and skeletal structure.
Preventing Neck Pain
A large number of neck issues are of a mechanical origin. Here are a few guidelines on how to prevent them.
Adopt an upright posture
Avoid slouching on your seat when watching your TV or in front of a PC. Sit upright and support the lower back. Ideally, after every 20 minutes or so, leave your seat, stretch or take a walk.
Pick an Ergonomic Seat
Pick a seat and desk that allows you to work while seated upright. Both feet should be stepping on the floor and the PC screen at an appropriate level. If you spend hours driving, ensure that the car seat supports your head and the lower back. On the other hand, if you lift a lot, always lift with a straight back and with your knees bent.
Good Sleeping Habits
In addition to choosing the right mattress, you should also choose the right pillow that allows the neck to be aligned to the rest of the spine. Ideally, avoid sleeping on your stomach to avoid putting pressure on your spine and upper back.
Dealing with Neck Pain
There are various ways you can relieve neck pain based on the cause of your pain. Here are some of them.
• Soft tissue massage of the neck to relieve muscle tension around the pain points.
• Taping to limit muscle activity on the area of pain.
• Correct your posture to lift the load off the base of your head. It may involve taping and the use of special vests.
• Dry needling of neck muscles to reduce the pain signals sent to the brain and promote natural healing.
• Manual mobilisation of neck joints and pain trigger points to enable normal joint movement.
• Assessment of your workstation and pillow ergonomics to prevent the re-occurrence of the condition.
A good number of these remedies may require a chiropractor for lasting relief. If you are suffering with neck pain or headaches, call us today on (07) 5492 5588 to book your initial consultation.