Headache and Neck Muscle Pain

Recent clinical studies have shown that loss of neck curve has been linked to chronic headaches and neck pain.

Neck pain accompanied by a headache and fever could be a symptom of meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround your brain. If your neck is so stiff that you can't touch your chin to your chest, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Muscles of neck and Headache

The face has many muscles which enable facial expression and movements of eyes and mouth. The crown of the head is covered not by muscle but by a large, wide tendon which joins with the muscle of the forehead (frontal) and the back of the head occipital). The neck muscles - trapezius and sternocleidomastoidus - join the head at the nape of the neck. It is these which take the strain of poor posture or remaining in the same position for too long.

The muscles of the eyes may become painful if focus is maintained for too long at the same point, for example watching TV or reading. The same happens to facial muscles where squinting or frowning constantly may cause pain and spasm. Laughing too much doesn't appear to have the same painful effect!

Seek immediate medical help if you have a fever and headache, and your neck is so stiff that you cannot touch your chin to your chest. This may be meningitis. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or get to a hospital.

Prevention for Headache and Neck Muscle Pain

• Use relaxation techniques and regular exercise to prevent unwanted stress and tension to the neck muscles.
• Learn stretching exercises for your neck and upper body. Stretch every day, especially before and after exercise. A physical therapist can help.
• If you tend to get neck pain from exercise, apply ice to your neck after physical activity.
• Use good posture, especially if you sit at a desk all day. Keep your back supported. Adjust your computer monitor to eye level. This prevents you from continually looking up or down.
• If you work at a computer, stretch your neck every hour or so.

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