Chronic headaches and chronic neck pain are among the more common chronic pain conditions. Both can be caused by a number of medical conditions; however, when head and neck pain occur together, the possible cause can be narrowed down. Once a cause is determined, many chronic headache and neck pain symptoms can be kept under control.
Types
Many medical conditions can cause chronic headache and neck pain, including tension headaches, disorders of the neck and assorted diseases. Unlike other types of chronic headaches whose pain occurs primarily in the head or face, tension headaches tend to cause both head and neck pain. Some other possible causes of neck pain and associated headache are bone and spinal conditions, such as arthritis in the neck or a herniated disc. Additionally, some chronic medical disorders may cause symptoms that include headache and neck pain, such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.
Considerations
Finding the cause of chronic headaches and neck pain can be a process of elimination. If the headache feels like a tight band around the scalp and the neck pain also spreads to the back of the head and shoulders, a tension headache may be the cause. Pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the head may be caused by structural problems in the neck bones or tissues, such as arthritis or disk degeneration. This can be confirmed through a physical examination and/or X-rays of the cervical spine. If a doctor suspects a soft tissue problem, such as that caused by trauma, an MRI or CT scan may also be in order. Diagnosing chronic medical conditions like fibromyalgia and TMJ may be a little more involved, as head and neck pain are only two of many possible symptoms. If TMJ is suspected, a dental exam is likely.
Treatment
How chronic headache and neck pain is treated depends largely on the cause. While over-the-counter or prescription painkillers may relieve pain symptoms, they do not necessarily treat the underlying chronic problem. Sometimes, prevention is the best medicine. In the case of arthritis, TMJ or tension headaches, preventing excess strain on the neck and facial muscles may decrease the risk of a pain attack, or at least reduce its severity. Tension headaches may also be controlled with the use of daily prophylactic medication, such as an antidepressant or anticonvulsant. For severe cases of pain involving neck damage, surgery may be necessary.
Prognosis
The prognosis for head and neck pain also depends largely on the cause. Disorders that are less understood such as fibromyalgia may be more difficult to treat than arthritis or tension headaches. However, most types of chronic pain, which last for many months or more, are often more challenging to keep under control. While medications and treatments may not control all chronic headache and neck pain symptoms, they can help keep them at a more manageable level.
Warning
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons warns that neck pain accompanied by headaches requires prompt medical attention, especially following an injury. For people with chronic headache and neck pain, any sudden changes in the pain's intensity should be investigated by a doctor.
