Pain originating from neck structures can radiate to other parts of the body, including the head. Although a significant amount of head pain comes from the neck, certain conditions or health problems can cause head-only or head and neck pain. Head and neck pain varies in intensity, based on the cause of the pain.
Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute mountain sickness, which affects people at altitudes of 8,000 feet or greater, can cause head and neck pain. Acute mountain sickness is caused by two principle factors: reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. The severity of acute mountain sickness ranges from mild to life-endangering. Acute mountain sickness can impair the function of a person's lungs, muscles, heart and nervous system. Common signs and symptoms associated with mild to moderate acute mountain sickness include headaches, fatigue, anorexia or loss of appetite, dizziness and difficulty sleeping, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Advanced cases of acute mountain sickness may cause a person to experience cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the skin, confusion, reduced consciousness and dyspnea or shortness of breath.
Fractured Cervical Vertebrae
A fractured cervical vertebrae can cause head and neck pain. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that cervical vertebrae fractures are often caused by high-force trauma, especially trauma sustained during a motor vehicle accident or during an athletic event. Although there are many different types of cervical spine fractures, they all possess the ability to cause neck and head pain, harm the spinal cord and endanger a person's life. In fact, damage to the spinal cord in the neck can cause paralysis from the neck down and even death. According to the AAOS, following a traumatic neck injury, a person's neck should be immobilized--not allowed to move back and forth or from side to side--until cervical spine x-rays are taken and assessed by a radiologist or another physician qualified to read x-rays. A person who has suffered a cervical vertebra fracture or broken neck may go into shock.
Influenza
Influenza can cause head and neck pain. According to the World Health Organization, influenza is a viral infection that targets a person's respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs. An influenza infection typically lasts for about one week. Common signs and symptoms associated with influenza infection include fevers, aching muscles, headache, malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat and rhinitis or sore nose. The WHO states that influenza is transmitted by droplets sent into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Influenza can spread quickly, especially during seasonal outbreaks. Fortunately, the majority of people infected with influenza are symptom-free within two weeks and do not require medical intervention. However, certain populations have a greater risk of influenza-related complications, including children, the elderly and people with serious co-existing health problems.
