1. They're Commonly Connected
Pain from joint and muscle problems in the neck often refer to the head. You may find that headaches that start in the back of the head creep down to the neck and shoulders. This is due to the many muscle attachments that stabilize your head on your neck. Treatments such as heat, ice or massage on the shoulders will often alleviate headaches.
2. Try a Chiropractor
The joints of your spine can lose motion due to trauma or poor posture. The stress of that restricted motion can irritate nerves and muscles, leading to referred pain in the neck and head. Chiropractors are specially trained to evaluate the spine and restore normal motion to the joints. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of your spine if medications are not helping your headaches.
3. The Problem May Be In Your Jaw
The temporomandibular joints are situated close to the joints of the upper neck and skull. Muscular attachments in your jaw originate along the sides of your head. Clenching or grinding your teeth can strain these muscles and cause headaches. Trauma to the jaw can also lead to headaches. Try a night guard to reduce grinding your teeth or see your dentist if you have pain in your jaw.
4. Everyday Things Can Trigger Headaches
If you still have headaches after treating your neck, other triggers may be to blame. Chocolate, caffeine (or caffeine withdrawal) or aged cheeses and meats trigger headaches in some people. Cigarette smoke or strong perfumes may also cause headaches. Eliminate potential headache triggers at home or at work to reduce your pain.
5. Preventing Whiplash Protects Your Head
Even in a low-speed crash, the whip-like forces that go through the neck and head are enough to cause significant tissue damage. Inflammation to the nerves and muscles and overstretching of ligaments can be enough to cause chronic headaches. Position the headrest of your car seat at the level of the back of your head. Raise the angle of the back of your car seat to within only an inch of the back of your head to reduce the space between your head and the headrest.
