Connection with Neck Pain and Migraines in Stow OH

Oncoming Migraine Ahead

Sometimes neck pain is the result of something like a car crash or sports related injury, but other times it can be a warning sign of an oncoming migraine. Sometimes, for those who do suffer from migraines, that sore neck may not manifest itself until after that neurological conditions has subsided.

The National Headache Foundation conducted an online survey in which 38% of people who suffer from migraines said they always experience neck pain before or after their migraine. Another 31% said they experience neck pain along with their migraines quite often. That means 69% of all migraine sufferers also suffer from neck pain.

That Tight Feeling

Usually, what is known as cervicogenic headaches will begin with a tight feeling in the shoulders and neck due to a tightness in the neck muscles and joints. That tightness, which is a condition that's connected to the cervical spine, stimulates nerves in the neck. Those nerves then extend to the head and cause pain. This irritation can also lead to migraines.

When all of this tightness in the body occurs, it could be a sign of mental or physical stress. The good news is that the best way to alleviate this kind of stress is not to take medicine (all of those potentially bad side effects will only give you more reason to be stressed).

Relieving that Stress

First, remember the neck pain and migraine headaches you experience due to this tightening throughout your body may be a result of stress. That means you will want to consider if there is anything that might be causing you unusual amounts of stress. You might need to adjust your schedule, your eating habits, or your daily routine in order to better cope with life. It's important to take time to relax, exercise, and practice various stress relief techniques.

Your body’s ability to adapt to stress is also a major factor when it comes to neck pain, migraines and other headaches. If you have had a head or neck injuries that led to a misalignment in your upper neck for instance, this misalignment can lead to changes with blood flow, cerebral spinal fluid flow and nerve flow which can lead to changes in the muscles and nervous system.

A thorough evaluation of your upper neck by an upper cervical chiropractor (a chiropractor who specializes in the upper neck) is frequently the first step to getting to the underlying cause of migraines.

About the Author

Dr. Geoff Besso, DC, DCCJP

Besso Clinic of Chiropractic

Dr. Geoff Besso graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Clemson University. Following his bachelor’s degree he enrolled at the prestigious Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. After a four year intensive program, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2002. He became an upper cervical chiropractor in Stow in 2005. Dr. Besso and his wife, Amy Besso, DC, opened their practice in Stow, Ohio, in 2005 and have been blessed to help thousands of patients with conditions ranging from Fibromyalgia to Migraine Headaches to Meniere’s Disease.