Neck pain can cause a lot of discomfort. When it is accompanied by a headache, then it may become unmanageable. Stiffness and heaviness can be felt in the entire neck area and it makes neck and head movements very difficult. Its intensity often varies from mild to severe, and it may last for weeks. If neck pain and headaches bother you constantly, then it can disrupt your daily routine.
Causes of Neck Pain and Headaches:
The most common cause has been found to be injury or sprain in the neck muscles. These muscles are attached to the base of the skull, so pain in these muscles often causes headaches. The neck muscles have high mobility and they don’t get much rest during the day, so they’re more likely to suffer strain due to overuse. Injuries may occur during twists and turns of the neck. Injuries to the head or neck can lead to stiff neck and headaches.
If you experience headache and neck pain after working for long hours on your computer, then it is probably associated with poor posture while sitting. Sleeping in a wrong position can also cause this problem. Mental stress may tense up the muscles in the neck area and give you a headache. Those who are dealing with sinusitis often complain about sore neck and headache. A herniated disc in the cervical spine can exert pressure on the surrounding soft tissues, resulting in chronic neck pain and headaches. Neck arthritis, migraine and fibromyalgia can be other causes of headaches and neck pain.
Treatment:
Application of ice on the neck can provide a soothing relief from the painful symptoms. A gentle massage of the neck muscles also proves to be useful. Once the pain has subsided a bit, doctors recommend some neck pain exercises. Such exercises may be effective, not just for neck pain but also for headaches. Bend the head to either side and hold the position for a few seconds. Then repeat the same on the other side. This will stretch the neck muscles and release the stiffness. Rotating the head slowly from one side to another in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction is a simple exercise that can add strength and flexibility to the neck muscles.
Neck pain and headaches is something you should never neglect. They can be prevented to a large extent, by maintaining good posture while sitting, standing or sleeping. While sleeping use a good quality cervical pillow.
An excellent pillow choice is the Mediflow waterbase Pillow. The water envelope sewn into the base of the pillow can be adjusted to provide exactly the right amount of support that you require, simply by adding water. A layer of polyester fiberfill floats over the waterbase to provide a comfortable night’s sleep.
