What came first - the migraine or the neck pain?

One of the first physical pain symptoms of a migraine attack for me was a painful, stiff neck. And then I can almost feel that pain slowly creep up to the jaw, temple and behind the eye. And boom! A migraine attack had arrived.

More than half of all migraine patients report neck pain during their migraine attacks. Many also report that their neck feels painful and tender between attacks as well.

So is migraine caused by neck pain? It can be in some cases (for example those with cervical neck dysfunction).

But, a study has shown that the neck pain is actually referred pain from the cervical- trigeminal complex. The brain is making it seem that the pain is coming from a stiff neck.

In other words, the neck pain is actually activated by the brain and is often a first warning sign that a migraine attack is on its way.

So, if you notice the neck pain, by all means take measures to treat it – with massage and stretching, heat or ice packs, essentials oils or maybe consult with a chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath.

But it is also equally important to have in place other measures to manage your migraine more holistically – because the pain is actually coming from the parts of the brain that drives migraine. Keep well hydrated, take extra electrolytes, salts and magnesium, eat clean, manage stress, rest and minimise screen time and glare.

I also have a few things to try in my Quick Ways to Stop a Migraine Without Medication handout.

If you are searching for a way to potentially reduce your overall migraine attacks then do feel free to organise an appointment or free chat.

Through our appointments, I empower you with knowledge and guidance to manage your own health. The type of information we may cover can include:

-How a migraine develops and strategies to manage migraines at each step

-Why your hormones play a role in migraine, and how to balance or manage hormones

-Managing hydration and electrolytes for migraine prevention

-What to do when you feel a migraine attack coming on

-Environmental causes and triggers to look at

-The importance of nutrition in preventing migraine, and a simple eating protocol to reduce your migraines

-Recipes and meal plans

-Natural pain management

-A guide to give to family and friends to help them support you when you have a migraine

-Supplements for migraines which have been clinically proven to help

-How movement and gentle exercise can help migraine

-How to build a team of health professionals for a holistic approach to migraine management – where you are in control!

Take care, my migraine warrior.

Josie x

PS If you have intense, persistent neck pain, discuss the type and location with your doctor to see if further testing is in order. Pain radiating to your arm or tingling in the hand should especially be discussed with your doctor.