We provide you with the following article to help you understand the connection between a cervical disc and a headache if you experience both.
What about a neck disc and headache? Neck disc injury is a common issue in the spine that is accompanied by many symptoms and signs. Do they have a connection to one another? The solution and more are provided here:
Neck Disk and Headache: What is the Relationship?
As these vertebrae are separated by cartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers, the neck's seven vertebrae support the head and neck.
Chronic headaches can be brought on by a herniated disc pressing on nearby neck nerves.
Headaches resulting from a herniated disc are called cervicogenic headaches, and in many cases some doctors find it difficult to identify this pain caused by a herniated disc.
Neck disc and headache: accompanying symptoms
The symptoms of cervical headaches can resemble those of a migraine. The following are the main signs and symptoms of this headache:
- Headache that originates on one side of the head or in the back of the head and occasionally radiates to the forehead or temples.
- One-sided pain, such as that in the front, back, or side of the head or eye.
- Headache when coughing, sneezing, or taking deep breaths.
- Pain or discomfort behind the eye.
- the neck appears to be in pain or discomfort, or the neck hurts when you move it quickly.
- Other symptoms you may experience include nausea, poor focus, irritability, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.
Neck disc and headache: diagnosis
The specialist doctor conducts several preliminary and diagnostic examinations to determine whether there is a relationship between the neck disc and the patient’s headache. The doctor might carry out the following procedures to identify cervical headaches:
1. Physiological examination
Here are the steps for a physical examination for diagnosis:
- Patient's medical history
where the patient's other symptoms, the type and nature of their pain, and the onset of their current symptoms are all discussed with the doctor.
- physical examination
The doctor assesses the neck by looking at it, touching it, feeling for any pain, swelling, or other abnormalities, and testing the neck's range of motion.
The doctor may also examine the hands and arms to look for any weakness in reflexes, strength, or sensation that could point to a neck nerve issue.
2. Advanced checks
According to the medical history and physical examination, it may be possible to rule out a neck disc as the source of a headache by using advanced diagnostic procedures, such as:
- Diagnostic nerve block
It is a method for determining the precise cause of neck pain in the spine. This technique involves injecting a pain-relieving anesthetic or anti-inflammatory solution around a nerve.
The patient will then experience pain relief throughout the entire nerve's distribution, including the head and headache regions.
- Medical Imaging
To support the diagnosis of a neck disc injury, diagnostic images such as X-rays, computed tomography, and MRI scans may be used.
Neck disc and headache: treatment
The best course of action for each patient should be considered when treating headaches brought on by neck issues.
Neck disc pain often subsides on its own, but medical intervention is required if the headache or any other accompanying symptoms of the neck disc continue to appear for at least six weeks. The following are the most well-known of these procedures:
1. Non-surgical treatments
The majority of neck disc cases can be treated without surgery, and available options include:
- To immobilise the neck while it heals, take some time to rest with a cervical collar or neck brace.
- Treatment plans involving physical therapy and exercise for continuum and disc herniation.
2. Surgical treatments
By removing the damaged disc and rebuilding the spinal cord, a group of surgical procedures used to treat cervical disc aim to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.