Headaches caused by neck problems? - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

whammo77 · 12-07-2004, 12:31 PM

In the past, I had headaches all the time which stemmed from the right side of my neck They had subsided over the last three years or so, but have recently started again, and they are BAD. I'd definitely classify them as migraines. When I get them, I have found that rubbing the back of my neck, on the right side, seems to help.. and I can definitely tell that is where the headaches are originating from. I have also noticed lately that when I bend my head forward and to the left a little, I hear a pretty loud "snap" in that same area in the back of my neck. I was wondering what this might be?

I have had my current headache for almost 2 weeks now, and standard pain relievers are only helping to take the edge off of it, but are not getting rid of it. I would appreciate any advice as to what to do about these...

lllblessedlll · 12-08-2004, 07:48 AM

Hi, I know exactly what you are talking about. My daily headaches and migraines have been getting worse over the past year. I have had several CT scans on my head that all turned up normal. My primary doc then had an MRI done on my neck and found that I have a herniated C5/6. That is why I have alot of pain and pressure in my neck. I also, like you ,have the popping and grinding when I move my neck certain ways. My primary doc refered me to an ortho doc, which is sending me to pain management this month to get epidurals in my neck to see if it will give some relief for the pain. I know my neck has to do with most of my headaches because like you, I can rub or squeeze my neck and feel it in my head. It might be worth asking your doc about maybe your neck being the cause of your headaches. I hope you find what is the problem and that you find relief soon, Take care.

whammo77 · 12-08-2004, 11:16 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that you have this problem as well. I wouldn't even wish this kind of probelm on my ex wife! The pain from these headaches is just terrible! I think I'm going to visit a chiropractor this week and have him go ahead and do some xrays to be on the safe side... I just can't imagine why this started up again all of a sudden... They had pretty well subsided for the last several years, with an occasional headache now and then.. but all kidding aside, I have had a terrible headache, sometimes elevating to migraine status, for well over 2 weeks now. If I hadn't had so many headaches in my life, I honestly don't think I'd be able to function normally considering how bad these are.

Hopefully the Doc can fix me up... I hope yours can take care of you as well.

JOJOsMEEM · 12-09-2004, 08:54 AM

Hi, I also suffer from h/a that originate from the neck area. I have been to the chiropractor but after the cracking he does it only makes them worse. I had been going to a chiropractor that uses "low force" and found some relief with that.
I have been to the cleveland clinic and have been DX with arthritis in the cervical spine. the spine has lost it's natural curve hence it presses on the nerves that leads to the h/a. I had about 3 weeks of p.t. with a little help but not enough to warrant continuing with it.
Look in your area for a chiropractor who uses the low force. he does mainly heat and he uses this wonderful massager that makes it feel wonderful. As long as I am going to him the h/a are not as bad.
check this ou,it may offer you some relief.
Patty

whammo77 · 12-09-2004, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOJOsMEEM

Hi, I also suffer from h/a that originate from the neck area. I have been to the chiropractor but after the cracking he does it only makes them worse. I had been going to a chiropractor that uses "low force" and found some relief with that.
I have been to the cleveland clinic and have been DX with arthritis in the cervical spine. the spine has lost it's natural curve hence it presses on the nerves that leads to the h/a. I had about 3 weeks of p.t. with a little help but not enough to warrant continuing with it.
Look in your area for a chiropractor who uses the low force. he does mainly heat and he uses this wonderful massager that makes it feel wonderful. As long as I am going to him the h/a are not as bad.
check this ou,it may offer you some relief.
Patty

I went to the chiropractor today..... mine uses the low level electrical therapy to loosen up the muscles...... at the moment, I am feeling better.... I can only hope it holds out... we're going on a weekend vacation and I really don't want to be dealing with this all weekend......

To anyone who has never had the low level electrical therapy... o'my! Try it... your muscles feel so good afterwards!!!!!