When you bend your head forward, your neck hurts: what to do?

Cephalgia (headache) is one of the most common neurological signs of illness among the population of the entire planet. Various types of headaches affect more than 90% of people. If left untreated or insufficiently treated, they are a common cause of absenteeism and low productivity. Soreness can appear on any side of the head: on the crown, temples, forehead, etc. But sometimes my head hurts when I bend down. What is the cause of this condition? What diseases are accompanied by this symptom?

Why does my head hurt?

The bones of the skull and brain tissue themselves never hurt, since they are not supplied with nerve fibers that carry pain. On the other hand, the nerve plexuses and nerves running between the skin and the bones of the skull are painful. Brain muscles and blood vessels supplying tissues outside the cranial bones may also hurt.

The nerve endings that transmit pain are called nociceptors. They can be stimulated by stress, muscle tension, vasodilation, and other factors that provoke pain in the head when bending down. A stimulated nociceptor sends a message to nerve cells in the brain that a specific part of the body has been damaged.

Many chemicals help convey information about pain. Some of them - those that relieve pain - are called endorphins, which translated from Greek means “internal morphine”.

One theory suggests that people who suffer from headaches have lower levels of endorphins than people who do not have frequent headaches.

Types of headaches

There are different types of headaches:

• With a tension headache, you usually feel an “enveloping” pain, a heaviness in the head. The pain is more pronounced in the front or back of the head.
• Cephalgia, caused by inflammation of the respiratory tract, causes pain in the forehead, cheeks, and bridge of the nose. Other signs include nasal congestion, runny nose, and decreased perception of taste and smell.
• Migraine usually manifests itself as a sharp pain that throbs in the right or left side of the head. Sometimes it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.

Diagnostic methods

At home, it is impossible to determine exactly why a headache occurs. This information is necessary to choose an effective treatment that will affect not only the symptoms, but also their cause. The doctor will prescribe a set of examinations, which may include:

• X-ray of the cervical spine is the easiest way to diagnose osteochondrosis and other neck diseases;
• Dopplerography - ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head using a contrast agent;
• MRI, CT – examinations that will allow you to accurately visualize intervertebral protrusions and hernias, neoplasms and hematomas of the brain, the consequences of a stroke;
• Blood tests will show inflammatory processes and metabolic disorders.

The Clinical Brain Institute offers individual headache diagnostic programs. The main advantages of our center are precise modern equipment and comfortable conditions for a hospital stay during the period of examination and treatment. Learn more about our programs.

Causes

There are several conditions in which there is pressure on the head when tilting the head down. The most serious of them are the following.

Cancer

During cancer treatment, a person may feel sick; Often one or more types of headache are present.

Cephalgia may be caused by the following cancer treatments:

• chemotherapy;
• hormonal treatment;
• biological therapy.

Painkillers taken during cancer treatment may also cause pain, especially when used in large quantities. Long-term use of analgesics can cause mild but persistent headaches.

Bisphosphonates, medications used to protect bones during cancer treatment, can also cause discomfort and tightness that can get worse when you lower your head.

Cervicocranial syndrome

Headaches from the cervical spine are caused by a violation of the structures of the neck (osteochondrosis), intervertebral discs, joints, and ligaments. The cause of pain is considered to be a functional disorder of the musculoskeletal system, but not degenerative changes in the spine (in particular, bone growths, changes in the intervertebral discs that form with age), because they occur in almost all people over 40 years of age. At the same time, cephalalgia when turning or tilting the head is not a mandatory sign.

Pain from the cervical spine manifests itself in episodes. It is usually localized on the right or left, simulating a migraine. Discomfort begins in the neck or back of the head, extends to the forehead, eyes, and ears. The pain is mostly moderate, most intensely felt in the frontal region.

Attacks of cephalgia with cervicocranial syndrome can last up to several days and occur at different periods of time.

Headache is accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• pain in the neck area;
• movement disorders of the cervical spine;
• worsening discomfort during movement;
• increased tension in the neck, trapezius muscles (shoulder blade area).

The following symptoms may also be present:

• mild nausea;
• blurred vision;
• increased lacrimation on the painful side;
• dizziness, instability.

Provocative factors include:

• sudden head movements;
• incorrect sleeping position;
• drafts (very often due to air conditioning);
• overload of the spine due to improper movement;
• forced uncomfortable head position (for example, when working at a computer for a long time);
• stress.

Treatment of cervicocranial syndrome

In case of prolonged or acute (especially post-traumatic) pain in the cervical spine, it is advisable to contact a neurologist or rehabilitation specialist. There are warning symptoms for back and head pain; Rarely, the cause of pain in the cervical spine can be conditions such as:

• infection;
• rheumatic disease;
• tumor;
• vertebral fracture.

Repeated disc herniation in the cervical spine (less often than in the lumbar region) also causes recurrent cutting pain. It can radiate to the upper extremities, does not respond to painkillers, and can lead to weakening of the arm and sensitivity disorders.

In case of acute blockade of the cervical spine, especially after sudden movement, a cold, or overload, muscle relaxants and painkillers (analgesics) are used for a short time. It is advisable to rest and apply dry heat to the area behind the head.

If a more serious cause is refuted and a muscle imbalance is identified, rehabilitation is carried out related to the study of the triggering factor for the occurrence of headaches and its prevention. This is especially true in case of long-term problems. Rehabilitation is aimed at:

• elimination of muscle spasms;
• mobilization of functionally limited joint mobility;
• correction of defective body posture, movement patterns, breathing.

The cause of pain in the cervical spine can also be a functional blockage of the lower parts of the spine, for example, the lumbar region.

If there are no serious problems with the cervical spine, alternative treatments can be used.

Migraine

Migraine has no psychological causes and is not caused by stress. We are talking about a purely biological disorder. Men also suffer from migraines, but in women it is 2-3 times more common. Its characteristic signs are vomiting, sensitivity to light, sounds... It is difficult for a person to move and move.

Approximately 1/5 of patients have an aura lasting 30-60 minutes. It manifests itself in flashes and temporary loss of vision. Patients often experience speech impairment, weakness in the arms and legs, confusion, facial stiffness, and other manifestations.

With a classic migraine, the pain is severe, stabbing, pulsating on the forehead, back of the head, around the ears, jaws, and eyes. Migraine without aura may cause diarrhea, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting. The painful attack lasts up to 4 days.

Both types of migraines can occur either several times a week or once every few years. Some women experience attacks regularly, for example during menstruation or every Saturday after a tiring week. During pregnancy they often subside.

Migraine treatment

There are two types of treatment - preventive and acute.

Infrequent attacks are usually treated with analgesics. Mild migraines may respond to Aspirin or Aminophenazone taken at the onset of the attack. Small amounts of caffeine have a preventative effect. But most migraine sufferers need stronger medications.

The most commonly used drugs are triptans. They bind to serotonergic receptors, preventing the action of serotonin. These medications work best when used at the beginning of an attack. Taking the drug can be repeated.

Triptans are not suitable for patients suffering from angina, basilar migraine, hypertension, vascular disease, or liver disease.

Ergotamine affects the dilatation stage of headache.

Prophylactic therapy is recommended for frequent attacks (>3 per month). The most commonly used drugs include:

• Propranolol;
• Methipranol;
• Amitritptyline;
• MAOI – antidepressants;
• valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug;
• Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker.

Relaxation techniques and biofeedback can help you better control muscle tension.

Headache when coughing

This type of cephalalgia is relatively rare. In addition to coughing, it is associated with various activities, including:

• sneezing;
• laughter;
• scream;
• all actions that increase intrathoracic and intracranial venous pressure (Valsalva maneuver).

The headache is sudden, quickly reaching peak intensity. After the acute phase, a dull soreness (a feeling as if the head is being squeezed) persists for several hours. In most patients, cephalalgia is bilateral.

Treatment

Therapy is usually not required. For patients with severe attacks, treatment with Indomethacin 25-50 mg 3 times a day is recommended.

Headache due to cold

Headaches due to colds and acute respiratory viral infections can have various causes, determined only by a doctor. Most often they are accompanied by sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) and/or rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa). It is the blocked nasal cavities (snot) that lead to unpleasant pain, which intensifies when bending forward.

When you have a cold, a person experiences a number of discomforts. It hurts him to cough, blow his nose, and tilt his head.

Cold treatment

Proper prevention is a long-term and effective help, so do not underestimate it.

How to prevent cold symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid temperature changes, air conditioning.
• Use humidifiers.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and smoking.

The following measures can help fight headaches due to colds:

• rinsing the nose with saline solution;
• horseradish in any form;
• inhalation of steam.

Sinus inflammation

The disease usually begins as a cold. Initially, a watery runny nose appears, gradually changing into a purulent one, and the temperature rises (about 38°C). The cervical lymph nodes may become slightly enlarged and there may be pressure in the ears. With sinusitis, pain also occurs in the ocular part of the face, with sphenoiditis - in the larynx area.

A child with sinusitis may have a higher body temperature.

Symptoms typical of influenza-like illnesses are also present:

• general fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• muscle pain.

The patient’s quality of olfactory sensations deteriorates, a burning sensation or sore throat may occur, and a headache may occur when bending over. The pain is most intense during the day; when bending over, it feels like a blow to the head.

Sinusitis is characterized by pain in the area of ​​the affected cavity when tapped.

Treatment of sinusitis

Therapy is prescribed according to the cause. For sinusitis of viral origin, supportive treatment aimed at strengthening the immune system is generally recommended. NSAIDs are used to relieve symptoms.

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are used. Blockage of the cavity or lack of spontaneous flow of secretions sometimes requires puncture of the cavity. In this case, its wall is pierced with a thick needle, and the contents are drained. Often, to completely cure the inflammation, it is necessary to repeat this procedure.

It is also recommended to warm your hands with warm water (30 minutes at 45°C), ideally while bending forward. This procedure improves blood flow to the mucous membranes and accelerates the release of secretions. If the tonsils are suspected as the organ responsible for the spread of infection, it is better to remove them. For this, an adenotomy is performed.

Other medications prescribed by your doctor include:

• mucolytics (medicines to thin mucus);
• antihistamines (allergy medications);
• topical corticosteroids (drugs that reduce inflammatory symptoms).

For repeated inflammations with changes in the mucous membrane and sinus duct, surgical intervention is sometimes recommended.

Medication headache

This condition, associated with the use of excessive amounts of analgesics, is becoming increasingly common. Some medications can cause headaches with long-term use or overdose. In more than 50% of patients, the head begins to “burst” early in the morning. The intensity of pain is moderate. But several days a month the pain manifests itself very strongly, energetically, and deprives a person of productivity. He may have difficulty getting out of bed or even breathing.

Treatment of drug-induced cephalalgia

Treatment usually consists of 3 stages. Partial inpatient detoxification is inevitable due to severe withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, psychotherapy is very important. Stage 3 is the treatment of the initial headache from which the patient suffered before taking the drug. For each type of cephalalgia, different medications are used.

What does neck pain mean?

If there is pain in the neck when tilting the head, this may be a sign of muscle strain. This often occurs after a long stay in one position, for example, when sitting for a long time in front of a monitor screen or while driving a car. Intense physical activity, sports training, lifting and carrying heavy objects can cause this symptom.

Diseases of the muscular system or spine can also provoke pain. With prolonged muscle tension, a spasm occurs. Other provoking factors for this condition may be:

• Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by pain and hypersensitivity of muscles, tendons and joints;
• osteochondrosis – characterized by wear and tear of articular tissues, the joint may become displaced;
• osteoarthritis – characterized by wear and tear of cartilage tissue;
• autoimmune diseases that cause degenerative processes in bone tissue - rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia;
• spinal stenosis;
• tuberculosis or osteomyelitis of the spine;
• thyroiditis – disease of the thyroid gland;
• lymphadenitis - an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes;
• polio – spinal cord paralysis;
• shingles;
• meningitis is an inflammatory process in the membranes of the spinal cord;
• diseases of the internal organs, in which pain radiates to the neck. These are pathological processes in the brain, heart, blood vessels, lungs, purulent processes in the body;
• spinal column or neck injuries;
• benign or malignant neoplasms or metastatic tissue lesions;
• previous surgical intervention on the spinal column.

For each of these diseases, additional symptoms must be present. Only a doctor can determine the presence of any pathological process in the body after a preliminary examination. You should not make a diagnosis or use medications yourself. To determine the cause of the pain, additional diagnostics are needed.

Headache prevention

To prevent headaches, follow these steps:

• Reduce emotional and physical stress. Relaxation in the form of deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation will help.
• Rest during the day. Concentrate on your head, neck, shoulders. Stretch your arms, legs, back.
• Exercise several times a week. This will increase muscle flexibility. But don't overdo it. Excess exercise can cause headaches.
• Sleep well. Lack of sleep is a common cause of cephalalgia.
• Do not smoke.
• Eat regularly and healthily.
• Be careful with caffeine. Although some painkillers contain caffeine, drinking it in drinks (coffee, chocolate, Coca-Cola) can cause problems.
• Take your medications as directed by your doctor.

In what case should you see a doctor immediately?

It is not always necessary to consult a doctor if you experience the slightest discomfort or pain. If a spasm occurs in the muscle system, which is caused by overexertion, such symptoms disappear on their own within a week. In this case, you need to take an analgesic and perform simple exercises.

You need to sound the alarm if the pain persists for 2 weeks or if additional unpleasant symptoms occur:

• numbness, tingling in the upper extremities;
• limited mobility of the neck and arms;
• curvature of the neck;
• sharp and prolonged attacks of migraines;
• dizziness and loss of consciousness;
• sudden jumps in blood pressure;
• dyspnea;
• chest pain;
• attacks of nausea and vomiting;
• swallowing dysfunction;
• elevated body temperature.

If such symptoms appear, it is not recommended to make any diagnoses or start using medications. It is important to pay attention to whether there is swelling in the neck and what size the lymph nodes are. In this case, doctors prescribe a detailed diagnosis that will help establish the correct diagnosis. You will need to undergo the following types of examinations:

• radiography;
• CT scan;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• laboratory examination of blood fluid;
• electromyography;
• spinal tap;
• electrocardiography.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor selects the most appropriate treatment.

Therapeutic recommendations

If you get a headache when you bend over, regardless of the cause, try the following tips:

• Place an ice pack on the painful area. Applying cold may help relieve pain.
• Calm down, try relaxing in a hot bath or shower. Sleep or take a walk (if your condition allows).
• Relax in a quiet, dark room. Sit or lie down with your eyes closed. This will help reduce body tension. Quiet, relaxing music is also good for this purpose.