The effect of neck stiffness on headaches and methods of prevention and treatment

If you experience pain when moving your neck, it is essential to know how to treat cervical vertebrae roughness. Pain, headaches, and muscle spasms in this area are common symptoms of osteoarthritis. In this article, Dalili Medical will review the differences between cervical osteoarthritis headaches and migraines, in addition to ways to treat cervical osteoarthritis with herbs. We will discuss in detail the methods used by doctors to treat cervical osteoarthritis and the resulting pain.

**What is cervical osteoarthritis?**

Recent studies indicate that 40% of middle-aged people suffer from cervical osteoarthritis. This condition occurs as a result of friction resulting from the movement of the vertebrae, which leads to gradual erosion of the vertebral cartilage, especially those that have flexibility in movement, such as the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. This constant friction causes erosion of the cartilage over a long period.

**How ​​does cervical osteoarthritis occur?**

Neck osteoarthritis often occurs as a result of constant stress and incorrect daily habits, such as sitting incorrectly, bending, and excessive use of the mobile phone. These habits have a negative impact on the cervical vertebrae, causing them to erode and damage the cartilage between them, thus putting pressure on the nerves, causing severe pain.

**Does cervical vertebrae roughness cause numbness in the body?**

Yes, cervical vertebrae roughness can lead to many symptoms, including numbness in the body. This occurs as a result of cervical radiculopathy, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as feeling numbness in different areas such as the chest and shoulders. In addition, the person may feel pain in the neck that extends to the arms, and may suffer from severe weakness in the muscles of one arm.

**Does cervical roughness cause shortness of breath?**

Shortness of breath can be one of the symptoms associated with cervical roughness, leading to a person feeling uncomfortable and having difficulty performing daily activities.

**Does cervical roughness cause dizziness?**

Dizziness is a possible symptom of cervical roughness, as this condition causes erosion and tearing of the cervical vertebrae, which is accompanied by many other symptoms including dizziness.

**Is neck stiffness a chronic disease?**

Neck stiffness tends to be a chronic condition, especially if it is discovered in the late stages. In this case, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening. The pain resulting from neck stiffness is usually chronic, as it increases in severity at night and early morning, while it decreases during periods of rest.

**Is neck stiffness curable?**

Neck stiffness is a common disease among the elderly or those with a family history. The optimal treatment includes physical therapy and the use of painkillers. In the event of pressure on the spinal cord, it is preferable to perform an MRI to compare the results with the clinical examination, and then determine the appropriate treatment.

**Does cupping treat neck stiffness?**

Cupping is one of the traditional or alternative methods that some people resort to to treat pain and inflammation. It can be used in many cases, including neck stiffness. However, if there is complete erosion of the cartilage, the patient may not feel better after cupping.

**Is neck stiffness dangerous?**

Yes, cervical vertebrae stiffness has a significant impact, as it leads to the erosion and damage of the cartilage covering the vertebrae over time. Some people suffer from this condition as a result of several factors, most notably aging, sitting incorrectly, neck injuries, or some chronic diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism.

**Is massage beneficial for neck stiffness?**

Massage is considered one of the most important natural ways to treat a cervical disc, as it helps increase blood flow to the affected area, and works to relax the muscles, giving the body a feeling of relaxation. Also, practicing light exercises can help reduce neck pain resulting from a herniated disc. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor to determine appropriate and safe exercises.

**Does friction of the cervical vertebrae cause tinnitus?**

There is a close relationship between tinnitus, temporomandibular joint problems, and cervical vertebrae pain. The first cervical vertebrae are located at the base of the skull and are connected to the jaw and ear joint. The muscles responsible for chewing in the neck are also connected to the ear, which may affect the development of tinnitus. In addition, the ligaments and nerves that connect the neck to the ear play a role in this condition.

Tight muscles put pressure on the optic nerves in the back of the neck, restricting blood flow to the eyes. This can lead to recurring headaches or migraines, as well as throbbing on one side of the face, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.

Do cervical vertebrae cause head pain?

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with the vertebrae, joints, muscles, or nerves of the neck, such as tumors, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, or infectious diseases. Therefore, this type of headache is considered a secondary type that develops as a result of other problems that do not directly affect the head.

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with the nerves in the neck, and are one of the main causes of headaches in the back of the head. It is characterized by recurring and continuous pain that starts from the back of the head and spreads to the face and neck, and may be accompanied by dizziness at first similar to a migraine attack, in addition to nausea, vomiting and other neurological symptoms.

What are the symptoms of neck stiffness?

In most cases, neck stiffness does not cause any symptoms, but if symptoms appear, they may include:

- Pain or weakness in the neck area, and the pain may increase with movement.
- Numbness or an abnormal sensation in the arms or shoulders.
- Headache and dizziness.
- Limited movement of the neck.
- Muscle spasm in the neck or shoulder area.
- Ear pain, as it is associated with some cases of neck stiffness in the upper cervical vertebrae.

If these symptoms appear withEvery noticeable and recurring, it is recommended to visit your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the causes.

**The difference between a headache from neck stiffness and a migraine**

It may be difficult to distinguish between a migraine and a headache resulting from neck stiffness, but the main difference lies in the source of each; as migraines originate from the brain, while headaches associated with neck pain are caused by problems in the cervical spine.

Some headaches cause pain as a result of eye strain, fatigue, trauma, or stress, but a cervical headache is different because it results from problems with the nerves, bones, or muscles in the neck area.

Although the pain is felt in the head, this pain may not be concentrated in it, but can extend from the neck area, leading to a headache.

Neck stiffness can lead to headaches, as these headaches originate from a variety of bone structures and blood vessels in the upper part of the neck, in addition to the coverings of the spinal cord and the muscles of the neck.

When these areas malfunction, pain signals are sent to the trigeminal nucleus in the brain, where this information is interpreted as a headache.

A neck headache, or secondary headache disorder, is a headache that occurs as a result of a problem in the neck, such as neck stiffness. After treating this problem and treating the stiffness, neck headaches can decrease significantly.

What are the factors that increase the risk of neck stiffness?

Here are the most prominent factors that contribute to increasing the risk of neck stiffness:

1. **Age**: Neck stiffness is a common condition after the age of forty, as research has shown that more than 85% of people over the age of sixty have experienced neck stiffness at some point in their lives.

2. **Gender**: Neck stiffness may appear at an earlier age in men than women, and the bone changes shown by X-rays may be more advanced in men.

3. **Profession**: Professions that require repetitive neck movement, such as professional dancing (ballet) or gymnastics, or those that lead to bending the neck in stressful positions, such as lifting weights in a pivotal manner or staying in an uncomfortable position for long periods (such as staring at a computer screen at an inappropriate angle).

When should a person seek treatment for cervical osteoarthritis?

When feeling neck pain, a person may not think that he or she is suffering from cervical osteoarthritis, as there are multiple causes of pain in this area, related to nerves or muscles. However, cervical osteoarthritis can be inferred when observing the following symptoms:

- Feeling pain or weakness in the neck area that increases with movement.
- Feeling numbness in the arms or shoulders.
- Headache accompanied by a feeling of dizziness.
- Difficulty moving the neck in all directions as before.
- Neck or shoulder muscle spasms.
- Feeling pain in the ear in some patients.

**Imaging Tests**

1. **Neck X-ray (X-RAY)**: X-rays can reveal abnormalities such as bone spurs, and rule out other causes such as tumors, infections, or fractures.

2. **CT-SCAN**: A CT scan provides more detailed images, especially of bones.

3. **MRI-SCAN**: Helps identify areas where nerves may be compressed.

4. **Myelography**: A tracer dye is injected into the spinal canal, providing additional detail compared to an X-ray or CT scan.

**Nerve Function Tests**

These tests are done to check that nerve signals are transmitting properly to muscles, and include:

1. **Electromyography**: This test measures the electrical activity in nerves during muscle contraction and at rest.

2. **Nerve conduction study**: Electrodes are attached to the skin above the nerve to be tested, then a small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the strength and speed of nerve signals.

**Nature of headaches resulting from neck stiffness**

A headache resulting from neck stiffness can be described as a headache that usually appears on one side of the head, starting from the neck and the back of it and then spreading towards the front of the head. This headache may be accompanied by a group of other symptoms that indicate neck stiffness, the most prominent of which are:

- Pain and stiffness in the neck that get worse with movement.
- Feeling an annoying pain in the neck.
- Muscle spasms.
- Hearing a crackling or grinding sound when moving the neck.
- Feeling dizzy and losing balance.

**Treatment of headaches resulting from neck stiffness**

Treatments for headaches resulting from neck stiffness usually focus on treating the root cause of the pain, and these treatments vary according to the patient's condition and the severity of the symptoms they suffer from. Here are some methods used to treat neck stiffness headaches:

**Medications:** The specialist doctor may prescribe a group of medications to relieve the severity of the headache and the symptoms associated with it, and these medications include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Anti-seizure medications.
- Antidepressants.

**Physical therapy:** The patient can seek the help of a physical therapist to relieve the headache resulting from neck stiffness, as the therapist stimulates the neck tissues and moves the joints in certain ways to relieve pain and headache.

**Home exercises:** Some home exercises can help relieve headaches and the pain associated with them, and these exercises include deep breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and yoga.

**The relationship between neck stiffness and migraines:** Studies indicate that there is a linked relationship between neck stiffness and migraines, as one study showed that people with neck stiffness have a greater risk of developing migraine attacks, as the percentage was about 2.19 times compared to others.

**Treatment of cervical osteoarthritis with surgery:* 

 the previous treatments are unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be necessary. The aim of the cervical disc surgery (cervical disc surgery) is to remove the cartilage causing the pain, then one of the following surgeries can be performed:

- **Disc replacement surgery:** In this procedure, the doctor uses an artificial disc instead of the damaged cartilage, which provides comfort to the patient and gives him a greater range of motion. Recovery may be quick, but there is a possibility of complications such as bleeding.

- **Vertebral fusion surgery:** In this procedure, the doctor implants a bone graft between the vertebrae to heal with them. However, the neck may suffer from limited movement after this procedure, as it loses part of its range of motion.

After performing any of the above-mentioned procedures, it is important for the patient to have a rest period of 4 to 6 weeks to be able to return to his normal lifestyle.

**The appropriate way to sleep for patients with a herniated disc in the neck**
Patients with cervical disc often suffer from difficulty sleeping due to severe pain, which negatively affects their activity and productivity during the day. Incorrect sleeping positions can also aggravate symptoms.

**Sleeping on the back**
Sleeping on the back is one of the best sleeping positions for patients with a herniated cervical disc, as this position helps stabilize the head and neck and distributes the pressure resulting from the body weight evenly across all parts of the spine. It is important for patients to use a comfortable pillow to support the neck, reduce pressure on the vertebrae, and relieve pain.

**Sleeping on one side**
This position comes second after sleeping on the back in terms of relieving neck pain. To get the most out of this position, the patient should use a wide pillow to ensure that the head and neck remain in line with the spine throughout the night.

**Sleeping on the stomach**
Sleeping on the stomach is generally not recommended, as it puts pressure on the back muscles. However, some patients find comfort in this position and cannot apply other sleeping positions. In this case, it is recommended to use a thin pillow or sleep without a pillow to avoid twisting the neck during sleep.

**Sleeping in a sitting position**
Many patients, especially pregnant women and patients with cervical disc herniation, find comfort in sleeping in a sitting position. This method is considered safe to stabilize the position of the back and neck, as it prevents sudden changes in position during the night. However, it is recommended to use a pillow to support the neck and another behind the lower back to ensure body alignment and reduce pressure.

**Exercises to treat neck stiffness**

There are a variety of exercises that help treat neck stiffness, as neck pain can be overcome by practicing therapeutic exercises. It is important to note that these exercises contribute to relieving pain and spasms in the cervical vertebrae, including:

1. **Neck extension exercise**: This exercise is considered one of the effective exercises for treating cervical disc, and is performed as follows:
- Lie on your back so that the neck is on the edge of the bed.
- Move the head back slowly until the head hangs off the bed.
- Stay in this position for a minute, then rest for a minute.
- It is recommended to repeat this exercise from 5 to 15 times.

2. **Neck extension with head lift**: This exercise is useful for relieving pain caused by a herniated disc, and is performed as follows:
- Lie on your stomach with your head out of the bed.
- Place your arms on the sides of your body.
- Slowly raise your head to its normal position, and stay in this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Repeat the exercise 15 to 20 times.

3. **Neck extensions to the sides**: Sit upright on a chair, relax your shoulders, and hold your thighs or the chair lightly. Tilt your head toward your right shoulder, and hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, allowing the weight of your head to stretch your neck muscles. Repeat the exercise two to four times in each direction.

4. **Chin tuck exercise**: Lie on the floor and place a towel under your neck, so that your head is touching the floor. Slowly bend your neck toward your chest, and stay in this position for six seconds, then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 8 to 12 times.

5. **Active Neck Rotation Exercise**: Sit in a comfortable chair or stand up straight. Move your neck to the right and hold this position for 15 seconds, then move your neck to the left and hold this position for 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise 2 to 4 times.

6. **Shoulder Squeeze Exercise**: Stand up straight, and bring your shoulder blades together without lifting your shoulders up. Hold this position for 6 seconds. Repeat the exercise 8 to 12 times.

**Active Neck Rotation Exercise**
Sit in a comfortable, stable chair, or stand up straight. Move your neck to the right and hold this position for 15 seconds. Then move your neck to the left and hold this position for 15 seconds. You can repeat this exercise 2 to 4 times.

**Shoulder Rotation Exercise**
Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet shoulder-width apart, or you can perform the exercise while standing. Raise your shoulders up, then move them back and down in a smooth circular motion. Repeat this exercise two to four times.

**Head Rotation Exercise**
Stand straight, then rotate your head 360 degrees starting from the right side.

Repeat this movement starting from the left side.

It is best to do this exercise after strengthening the neck with other exercises to avoid muscle spasms.

**Isometric Neck Exercise**
Sit straight with your shoulders relaxed.

Place your hand on your forehead and try to bend your head forward while fixing your hand to prevent head movement.

Stay in this position for 6 seconds, and repeat the exercise 8 to 12 times.

**Treatment of neck roughness with cupping**

Cupping can be used as a means of treating neck cartilage, as it helps relieve pain and muscle stiffness, in addition to reducing pain resulting from weak vertebrae and nerve pressure, and relieving spasms

Muscular. However, caution should be exercised when using cupping to treat neck cartilage in the following cases:

- Heart patients or those suffering from anemia.
- People with severe skin diseases or skin infections.
- Patients with torn joint ligaments.
- The elderly or those suffering from chronic diseases.

Cupping improves blood circulation, which reduces pressure on the nerves and thus relieves pain and inflammation. It also contributes to reducing proteins and pain-causing elements such as prostaglandins, and generating a less severe immediate pain path than the pain of a herniated disc. In addition, cupping helps relax the muscles in the affected area.

It is important that the cupping sites for the disc or herniated disc are determined by a specialist, to ensure that the appropriate places for treatment are chosen.

Questions may come to mind about the effectiveness of cupping in treating a herniated disc, and the answer is that cupping can help relieve the pain of a herniated disc, along with other mechanisms to treat the cartilage, relieve its pain, control it, and reduce any potential complications.

**Treatment of neck stiffness through physical therapy**

Physiotherapy programs can be used to relieve neck stiffness pain by using appropriate tools and devices that help reduce pain by relieving muscle spasms in the different vertebrae. These programs include manual therapy exercises, as occupational therapy contributes to achieving multiple benefits for patients, including:

- Relieving neck vertebrae pain.
- Getting rid of symptoms associated with neck pain.
- Reducing muscle spasms in the spinal muscles.
- Helping the patient to practice his life normally.

**Neck stiffness treatment devices**

Many people suffering from neck cartilage are looking for effective treatment solutions to relieve pain without the need for surgery. Therefore, physical therapy devices can provide positive results, such as:

- **SPINAL DECOMPRESSION**: Helps reduce neck cartilage pain and vertebrae stiffness, and also contributes to relieving neck muscle spasms.
- **LASER**: Helps relieve chronic neck pain and reduce complications of cervical vertebrae inflammation, in addition to reducing muscle spasms.

**Tips to follow when you are diagnosed with a "herniated disc in the neck"**

When the doctor confirms that you have a herniated disc in the neck based on several diagnostic methods, such as a neck examination, questions related to your medical history, and tests that show the position of the neck vertebrae and the condition of the nerves, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, he will provide you with a set of tips that will help relieve disc pain and facilitate the treatment journey. The most important tips for patients with a herniated cervical disc:

- You must ensure complete rest and avoid violent activities that may lead to pressure on the vertebrae of the back, such as carrying heavy weights.

- It is recommended to follow correct sleeping positions for patients with a herniated cervical disc, such as sleeping on the back or one side with the use of neck support pillows.

- It is important to follow a balanced diet to help lose excess weight, as excess weight increases pressure on the vertebrae of the neck.

- It is preferable to seek the help of a physical therapist to help relieve stiff neck muscles through techniques that rely on heat or cold.

- It is recommended to practice some exercises that help relax the neck muscles and relieve pressure on the vertebrae.

- It is preferable to wear a neck brace when sitting for long periods or while working to reduce pressure on the vertebrae.

- It is necessary to adhere to the medications prescribed by the doctor, as they help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

- It is recommended not to follow treatments promoted by non-specialists, such as herbal treatment or insect bites.

**Herbal treatment for neck and shoulder roughness**

Devil's claw is a shrub that grows in South Africa, and is characterized by its bright red flowers. It is named after its bark, which contains small hooks. Devil's claw is available in powder or pill form, and is used as an effective painkiller, as it significantly reduces the pain of osteoporosis patients and improves their physical functions. Studies indicate that this plant can relieve back and neck pain, and has shown its effectiveness compared to anti-inflammatory drugs.

Kudzu is a herbal remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat many conditions, including neck and shoulder pain. Research has shown that kudzu can reduce inflammation by suppressing the body’s inflammatory response. Available in pill or powder form, kudzu acts on the body in a similar way to estrogen, making it unsuitable for people with hormone-sensitive cancers or those taking the drug tamoxifen. Diabetics taking oral medications should also avoid it.

Menthol and camphor are common ingredients in herbal remedies used to relieve neck, muscle, and joint pain. These ingredients are found in many over-the-counter muscle pain medications, such as BenGay, Mentholatum, and Icy Hot, as well as lip balms such as Carmex. Menthol and camphor can be used alone as oils or in creams and gels. When applied to the skin, they promote blood circulation to the affected area, creating a warming or cooling sensation, and their effects typically last for several hours.

St. John’s wort, also known as St. John’s wort, is one of the most popular herbs in the world, especially in the United States, where it is used to treat a variety of ailments. This herb has been used for centuries to relieve pain, including neck and shoulder pain, and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating nerve pain. Although more research is needed on its effectiveness, it is considered effective. St. John's wort is available in pill and powder form, and can be brewed into a tea. However, due to its interaction with many medications, it is not recommended to take it with a doctor.

Take it only under medical supervision.

**Lavender**
The fragrant flowers of the lavender shrub have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Today, essential oils are extracted from lavender flowers and used as aromatherapy and massage oils, which help relieve neck pain and lower back pain. When combined with massage therapy, lavender is particularly effective in treating neck pain.

**Exercises for a Stiff Neck**
Exercise can help strengthen the neck muscles, which helps prevent injuries. Exercises also help improve posture, which relieves neck stiffness. In addition, they are an effective way to relieve tension that can lead to neck stiffness. Here are some exercises that help strengthen the neck muscles and prevent neck stiffness:

**Stretching Exercises**
Stretching exercises are essential for relieving neck pain, as doing them regularly is an effective way to prevent neck stiffness.

- Roll your shoulders back and forth.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together several times.
- Slowly move your ear toward your shoulder from each side.
- Slowly turn your head from side to side.

**Use heat or ice**
In addition to neck exercises, ice can be used as a relaxation method. It is recommended to apply ice for 20 minutes several times a day to relieve neck inflammation. You can also alternate between using ice and heat. Taking a warm bath or using a heating pad can also help relieve pain.

Create a comfortable work environment for yourself. Many people spend eight hours a day in front of a computer, which can lead to neck stiffness and other health problems. Here are some tips to avoid neck stiffness while working:

• Adjust your seat to be comfortable, with your feet flat on the floor and your knees slightly lower than your hips.

• Maintain a comfortable sitting position, with your back straight and your arms at the desk.

• Make sure your computer screen is at eye level.

• Use a comfortable keyboard and mouse.

• Stand up, stretch, and move around every hour.

Watch the amount of time you spend looking at your smartphone, as constant use can cause tension in your neck muscles. If you need to use your phone a lot, try these tips to relieve stress on your neck:

• Hold your phone at eye level.

• Avoid placing your phone between your shoulder and ear.

• Use earbuds or headphones.

• Take a break from your phone every hour.

• Do stretching exercises after using your phone to relax your muscles.

Avoid driving for long periods of time without interruption. Just as sitting at a desk can affect your neck, sitting behind the wheel for long periods of time can have the same effect. Here are some tips to avoid neck stiffness while driving:

• Take breaks to stand up and stretch.

• Set an alarm to remind you to check your posture while driving.

• Make sure your seat is adjusted to provide proper support and ensure good posture.

• Avoid texting while driving, as this is illegal and dangerous, and can strain your neck due to the frequent switching between your phone and the road.