Is It A Headache Or Neck Ache?

Here's how to tell—and how to get relief

November 3, 2011

Up to 20% of chronic headaches are actually due to shoulder or neck tension. Dan Hurley, MD, an interventional pain and spine specialist at the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, sorts out the differences. 

Where does it hurt? 
Headache: Temple or forehead pain that can range from mild to severe


Neck ache: Pain at skull base; aches behind eye sockets; sore shoulder muscles


What causes it?
Headache: Hormone changes; acute stress; diet triggers (like red wine or chocolate); dehydration

Neck ache: Poor posture (long periods sitting at a computer); chronic stress; past trauma


Proven therapies 
Headache: Stress-reduction tactics like meditation or hypnosis; getting enough sleep; NSAIDs

Neck ache: Physical therapy; acupuncture; posture exercises; Botox injections in neck muscles


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Tags: Neck Pain