A Word About Headaches
Chronic headaches have multiple causes and types. Primary headaches such as tension headaches are those that constitute a condition in and of themselves. Secondary headaches such as sinus headaches are those that are caused by another condition.
At any given time, about half of the adult population suffers from recurring headaches. These can be caused from a vast array of problems, but theyre primarily due to tension, migraines, illness, or injury.
Potential Causes Of Cervicogenic Headaches
The cause of a cervicogenic headache is often related to excessive stress to the neck. The headache may result from cervical osteoarthritis , a damaged disc, or whiplash-type movement that irritates or compresses a cervical nerve. The necks bony structures and its soft tissues can contribute to the development of a cervicogenic headache.
Tingling In The Head: Causes And Treatments
A wide range of issues can cause you to feel numbness, the sensation of pins and needles, or tingling in the head and face. Clinically referred to as paresthesia, this condition is a sign of neuropathy, which is damage or dysfunction of the nerves.
Upper respiratory and sinus infections are common causes of paresthesia, as are headache disorders, head injuries, and diabetes, among other conditions. Tingling in the head may also arise due to neurological and autoimmune conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
This article breaks down the common causes of numbness and pins-and-needles sensations in the head and face, as well as what you can do to manage them.
Don’t Miss: Pain On Pinky Side Of Hand
Tummy Pain Or Back Pain
Tummy pain or back pain are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The pain may start as general discomfort or tenderness in the tummy area and spread to the back.
Some people have no pain at all, and pain can vary from person to person. For example, it may come and go at first but become more constant over time. It can be worse when lying down, and sitting forward can sometimes make it feel better. It may be worse after eating.
If you are over 60, have lost weight and have tummy or back pain, your GP should refer you for an urgent CT scan or ultrasound scan within two weeks.
Relationship Between Specific Headache Types And Persistent Low Back Pain

Table summarises the results of the included studies. Ashina et al. found 649/796 321/796 of their participants had primary headache . Of these 475/796 reported infrequent episodic tension type headache or no headache categorised as no headache in the past year 281/796 had episodic headache, 80/796 had pure migraine, 138/796 had coexistent migraine and tension-type headache. No case of chronic migraine was identified in the study. Ashina et al. noted a positive correlation between the number of days with tension type headache or migraine and number of days with low back pain in the past year . The lifetime relative frequency of low back pain was higher in those with primary headache migraine and or tension type headache than those without headache . The adjusted odds ratio for primary headache and low back pain was OR 1.7 .
Yoon et al. , identified those affected by chronic low back pain and primary headache disorders. The outcome variable of low back pain was defined as presence of frequent low back pain , defined as self-reported low back pain occurring on more than or equal to 15days per month. We present their multivariate analysis results .
Also Check: Back Pain And Neck Pain
Where Can I Get Treatment For Neck Pain And Headaches In Back Of Head
There are many prominent treatments available for neck pain in the US nowadays.
These treatment options can be found in many clinics, hospitals, or facilities.
One of the best treatment for neck pain and headaches in the back of the head can be found in Connecticut Disc and Laser Therapy Centers, which is located in Connecticut.
They have sophisticated, cutting-edge technology in their facility, and they treat patients who have failed to respond to conventional therapy methods.
Read Also: Mayo Clinic Low Back Pain Exercises
How Does A Toothache Cause A Headache
A dental abscess
A dental abscess is the main reason for a headache. A severe cavity within the tooth that causes a tooth infection and spread to the surrounding tissue leads to an abscessed tooth.
The trigeminal nerve is the most important nerve center of the face and head. It has 3 nerve branches. Each branch connects nerves from the head to different parts of the face. Pain in one nerve branch can activate other nerve branches.
In the mouth, there are quite a few important nerves. Among them, the lingual pain nerve is the most prominent. The lingual nerve helps relay sensation, taste, and pain in the mouth.
When the nerve in and around the cracked tooth or abscessed tooth gets disturbed and stimulated by the pressure of a tooth within its socket, the lingual nerve identifies the pain from the nerve endings and sends signals to the head, causing throbbing pain from the jaw region to the head. To alleviate a toothache consult a dentist for a full physical dental evaluation and probable extraction.
Dental Caries
Cavities are another reason for headache pain. Cavities are usually caused due to improper oral hygiene like brushing, cleaning, and too much intake of snacks and sugary beverages. Cavities are tiny holes that form in the surface area and the roots of the tooth. The hole exposes the nerves to hot and cold foods and liquids and also sugary foods.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Can a toothache cause a headache and earache?
Have I got an earache or a toothache?
Don’t Miss: Postmenopausal Cramping And Lower Back Pain
What To Do If You Have Upper Back Pain And Headaches
Upper back pain and headaches can significantly disrupt your everyday life. They can potentially limit what you can do, especially if they come together. It seems unlikely for backaches to occur with severe bouts of headaches. However, in truth, hundreds of patients report they have the two symptoms, influencing them to seek help from their primary doctors, therapists and upper cervical care doctors.
Find out what you need to do when dealing with upper back pain and headaches as we take a closer look at what connects them.
Backaches And Headaches Go Hand In Hand
In addition to the relationships just mentioned, back pain and headaches share a mysterious affinity for one another that isnt fully understood. Studies show that people who have either chronic backaches or headaches are twice as likely to have the other condition as well, especially lower back pain.
Clearly, anything that affects your muscles, nerves, or blood flow in your spine has the power to transfer that pain north to your head. But there may also be an underlying psychological component that is linked to how your body and mind register pain.
Also Check: Pain In Right Side Of Abdomen During Pregnancy
Summit Orthopedics Offers Comprehensive Spine Expertise
Summit Orthopedics Spine Care program is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for the comprehensive expertise of our patient-centered care. Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at to schedule a spine consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
Also Check: How Does A Diuretic Help Back Pain
Pain In The Back Of The Head When Lying Down
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful. They get their name from the cluster periods in which they occur. People with . These periods or patterns of attack may last weeks or months.
Cluster headache symptoms
Cluster headaches may cause pain in the back of the head or the sides of the head. They may get worse when lying down. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- sharp, penetrating, burning pain
The symptoms of many headaches can be reduced with over-the-counter pain relief medications such as acetaminophen . Some medications, like Extra-Strength Tylenol, can help if you have chronic headaches.
Treatment is most effective when its based on the exact cause of your headache.
You May Like: Pain In Shoulders Icd 10
Work On Your Upper Back Pain And Headaches With Upper Cervical Care
Indeed, its challenging to have two recurring symptoms like headaches and back pain. But that doesnt mean that you have to accept your fate and settle for a life of constant pain and suffering. We hope our in-depth discussion above clarifies what you need to do when you experience these two symptoms.
If you need additional help resolving your ailments, we suggest scheduling your appointment with an upper cervical chiropractic practitioner. This way, a neck chiropractor can examine your neck for C1 and C2 misalignment and provide gentle adjustments to correct the issue.
Its never too late to try a whole new approach to healing. Say goodbye to upper back pain and headaches with the help of an upper cervical doctor near you!
Bacterial And Viral Infections

Certain bacterial and viral infections can also lead to tingling in the head and face. This can accompany encephalitis, a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the brain.
Symptoms also arise in cases of transverse myelination, a rare condition that causes inflammation in the spine. Most cases of TM arise are due to viral and bacterial infections, including:
Don’t Miss: When Does Foot Pain Start In Pregnancy
A Simple Test To See If You Have Orthostatic Hypotension
A simple way to check to see if your lightheadedness, fatigue, mental fogginess or headaches are from low blood pressure to the brain is to increase the blood pressure to the brain. You can do this simply by increasing the salt in your diet. Salt has a magical property called osmotic pressure that pulls fluid into the blood vessels.
More fluid in blood vessels makes it easier for your heart and blood vessels to provide the proper amount of pressure and blood flow to the brain. Proper blood flow to the brain will allow the brain to function better and should result in a decrease or disappearance of your symptoms if they are due to poor blood flow.
With all the talk by the health officials about the necessity of eating a low-salt diet, you might be concerned with increasing your salt intake. Dont worry, its not dangerous for a few weeks. Only persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease should talk with their physician before adding salt to their diet.
Follow these instructions to see if your symptoms are from low blood flow to the brain:
What Causes Pain In The Back Of The Head
There are a number of different causes that can lead to headaches occurring in the back of your head. In many cases, these headaches also cause pain in other locations, or theyre triggered by certain events.
The types of pain, location, and other symptoms youre feeling can help a healthcare professional diagnose whats causing your headache and how to treat it.
Read Also: Does Uti Pain Come And Go
Help For Headaches And Back Pain
Treatment for headaches and back pain is dependent on what is causing your pain. However, two common treatments are postural therapy and physical therapy.
Postural therapy, also known as Egoscue therapy, is designed to eliminate chronic back, neck, shoulder, and even knee pain. Additionally, it can also treat other physical conditions, like headaches.
It works by your doctor creating a personalized series of exercises and stretches specifically designed to correct posture and restore balance. Benefits are long-term and include improved posture, lessened pain, avoidance of surgery, better sleep, and even improved athletic performance. Postural therapy can also treat conditions like arthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, and other chronic pain symptoms that often come along with headaches.
Dont Let Pain Get On Your Nerves
While migraines can be debilitating, and often excruciatingly painful, there are plenty of options to help at least make the pain more manageable. If you have recently injured your jaw in an accident, or have habits such as grinding your teeth, then it is likely that your migraines stem from TMJ. It is important to seek out a trained TMJ dentist to help diagnose you and set you up with a plan that can help relieve some of the pain. If you are in need of a TMJ dentist in Spokane, please call for an appointment at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics.
Read Also: Hole In Tooth No Pain
When To See A Healthcare Provider
Most headaches are not dangerous. There are instances, however, in which your headache warrants a visit or call to your healthcare provider.
These scenarios include:
- Your headaches are becoming more frequent, severe, or interfering with your daily routine.
- You have a new headache and are over age 50, are pregnant or just gave birth, or have a history of cancer or a weakened immune system .
- Your headache is triggered by sneezing, coughing, or exercising.
- You are experiencing a headache associated with taking pain medication regularly.
Go to your emergency room or call 911 if your headache:
- Is severe, begins abruptly, and/or is the “worst headache of your life.”
- Is severe and accompanied by a painful red eye, high fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
- Is associated with symptoms of a possible stroke .
- Occurs after a blow or injury to your head.
A Word About Back Pain
Back pain is another complex medical condition, since it involves one of the most intricate and complicated areas of your anatomy your spine. Almost all adults experience back pain at some point in their lives, and about 20% suffer from it chronically.
Whether you have spinal stenosis, sciatica, arthritis, or any of the other numerous common back conditions, youre likely to have chronic pain. To add insult to injury, some of these conditions may lead to headaches as well.
Recommended Reading: Integrated Spine And Pain Care
How Do You Get A Toothache To Go Away Fast
Use these effective natural home remedies for toothache to reduce the pain to some extent.
Clove oil â Take a cotton ball and put 2 drops of clove oil on it. Place the cotton ball against your affected tooth itself until your ache reduces. Or, place a full clove on your tooth and chew it a little bit for releasing its oil. Keep the clove in place until the pain recedes.
Ginger-cayenne paste â Combine equal parts of these 2 spices with sufficient water and make a paste. Take a small cotton ball and roll it into enough paste in order to saturate it. Place the cotton ball on your affected tooth while avoiding your tongue and gums. Leave it until you get pain relief.
Saltwater swishes â Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water. Use it as a mouthwash to remove irritating debris and food particles. Swish the saltwater for around 40 seconds and spit it out.
Peppermint tea â Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves into one cup of boiling water and steep for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the tea cools, swish the tea around in your mouth, and then swallow it or spit it out.
Swish with hydrogen peroxide â Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Swish 3 percent hydrogen peroxide around in the mouth. Spit it out, and then use plain water to rinse several times. If 3 percent is a bit strong, water it down by adding some water.
Brush â Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
The Connection Between Your Spine And Headaches

Your spine runs from the bottom of your brainstem down to your pelvic area. Injuries to your spine can largely impact the surrounding areas because of the spinal nerves.
Your cervical spine, or neck, is the section just under your brainstem. Its made up of a group of nerves that form the cervical plexus. If a headache is caused by a spinal injury, its known as a cervicogenic headache.
Recommended Reading: Non Surgical Back Pain Treatment
What Causes Tension Headaches
At the base of the skull, there is a group of muscles called the suboccipital muscles. They can cause headache pain for many people. These four pairs of muscles are responsible for subtle movements between the skull and first and second vertebrae in the neck.
The suboccipital muscles may become tense and tender due to the following:
Pain from the suboccipital muscles commonly feels like a band wrapping around the head. Also, tension in these muscles may cause compression of a nerve that exits the base of the skull. This can trigger pain that wraps over the head and above the eyes.
You May Like: How To Help Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy