Headaches and neck pain are two very common symptoms.
When they happen together, it may indicate certain medical issues.
But its important for you to know that all the causes of headaches with neck pain are treatable.
FG Trade / Getty Images
So if youre having headaches with neck pain, see a healthcare provider immediately.
You might need emergency treatment, or you may need to get started on long-term therapy.
They can help guide your healthcare provider in making a diagnosis.
When to Seek Emergency Help
New symptoms of headache or neck pain can indicate a serious condition.
Get prompt medical attention if you develop these symptoms together.
What Causes Headaches With Neck Pain?
There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause headaches with neck pain.
The more dangerous conditions dont necessarily cause more severe pain.
This is why its so crucial to get medical attention if you have these symptoms together.
These include:
What About Young Children?
Headaches with neck pain can affect children.
Young children with headaches and neck pain need a comprehensive medical workup to evaluate the problem.
Treatment is similar to that of adults.
Certain brain tumors are more common among children, and hydrocephalus can persist after tumor removal.
This often necessitatesventricular shunt placementto prevent the recurrence of hydrocephalus.
This combination can also occur due to serious health issues such as a concussion or meningitis.
Its important to get medical attention if you have headaches with neck pain.
The severity of the pain doesnt necessarily correlate with the severity of the cause.
Other associated symptoms can help point to the underlying cause.
With an accurate diagnosis, treatment and prevention can be effective.
A Word From Verywell
Its distressing to have headaches with neck pain.
Get prompt medical attention if these symptoms are new to you.
2019;27(4):245-252. doi:10.1080/10669817.2019.1572987
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Reye’s syndrome.
