Head and Neck Pain Treatment Q&A

If you have pain behind your head and neck, it can be very frustrating and disruptive. There are a variety of reasons why you may be experiencing this type of discomfort, such as a pinched nerve, poor posture, occipital neuralgia, tension headaches, cluster headaches, or migraines.

It’s recommended to schedule a visit to the doctor if you’ve noticed that this pain is interfering with your daily activities, is accompanied by tender temples, or lasts for more than a few days. In addition, if your pain gets progressively worse or is severe, you should book an appointment as soon as possible.

A pinched nerve in the neck can cause a condition known as a cervicogenic headache. Turning your head or holding it in one position for a long time can trigger this type of headache. Some of the ways that you can relieve your symptoms in this circumstance are applying heat and cold to the neck, resting as much as possible, and lightly stretching.

If home care does not prove effective, it’s recommended to see a specialist to diagnose the root cause of your discomfort and administer effective treatment. Doctors can provide instructions on physical therapy techniques to use in order to successfully relieve tension and discomfort behind your neck and head.

Yes, chiropractic treatment can alleviate discomfort in the head and neck. Chiropractors can address both chronic and acute types of pain through spinal manipulation and other therapeutic techniques. Through personalized and targeted treatment, chiropractors can restore proper alignment, relieve tension from the musculoskeletal system, and address pinched nerves that could be contributing to head and neck pain.

If you are experiencing head and neck pain, there are often several other symptoms that may accompany this type of discomfort. One of the most common symptoms described by patients with head and neck pain is stiffness in the neck and upper back. In addition, many people state that their pain is triggered when they move or turn their heads.

Head and neck pain is often described as a throbbing sensation at the back of the head. However, the specific sensation you experience will be influenced by the cause of your discomfort. While migraines usually cause throbbing pain and sensitivity to light and sound, tension headaches are associated with tight muscles and the sensation of a band tightening around the head.

For instance, cervicogenic headaches are often accompanied by neck strain, stiffness, inflammation, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Overall, there are various symptoms to keep an eye out for when you have head and neck pain. It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and their severity to relay this information to the doctor.

Chiropractors offer a variety of approaches to alleviate neck pain and headaches. These include:

Spinal manipulation: The most common approach for addressing head and neck pain is spinal manipulation. This technique is done to correct the position of the spine to alleviate pressure on nerves, reduce pain and tension, and increase mobility.

Trigger point therapy: In this approach, the specialist applies targeted pressure to the affected area to improve the range of motion by releasing tension.

Physical therapy: Chiropractors can offer recommendations on gentle stretching, mobility exercises, and how frequently to apply hot and cold therapy to address inflammation and minimize discomfort.

Joint mobilization: This manual therapy technique is used to improve the mobility of painful, stiff, or dysfunctional joints.

In addition, the specialist can provide guidance on posture and ergonomics, as well as other lifestyle factors, to enhance your wellness and kick head and neck pain to the curb. To get started on the path to increased comfort, schedule a visit at The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey.

At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, we have a team of skilled professionals committed to diagnosing and treating different types of head and neck pain. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Montvale NJ, Closter NJ, Park Ridge NJ, Westwood NJ, Hillsdale NJ, Woodcliff Lake NJ, Alpine NJ, Englewood NJ, Hackensack NJ, Dumont NJ, and surrounding areas.