The cause of a headache is often hard to be identified. However, one very common reason for getting a headache can actually be found in the neck – resulting from muscle tension and trigger points.
Causes
At the base of the skull there is a group of muscles, the suboccipital muscles which can be the beginnings of a headache for many people. These four pairs of muscles are responsible for subtle movements between the skull and the first and second vertebrae in the neck. These muscles can become sore and tender due to many factors such as eye strain, wearing new eyeglasses, poor work ergonomics, teeth grinding, slouching, or trauma.
Pain resulting from suboccipital muscles often feels like a band wrapping around the head, and sometimes over the eyes.
Relief for Suboccipital Headaches
- If you believe you are suffering from headaches resulting from the suboccipital muscles, some of these options may help to relieve the pain:
- Seek an eye examination with your optometrist. You may be straining your eyes if your eyes have changed since your last exam;
- Redesign your workstation. You may be getting headaches from poor ergonomics at work – raising your computer monitor or moving your desk so that you do not have to crane your neck may help with headaches;
- Correct your posture. Consider gentle exercise such as yoga or pilates to encourage proper self-carriage;
- Apply a hot pack to the base of the neck for 15-20 minute intervals when you experience a tension headache.
Headaches that feel like a band around the head or run through the eyes are often a form of tension headache, caused by the muscles in the neck. Use this guide to combat them.
