How Are Headaches and Back Pain Related?

Most people experience headaches and back pain at the same time. Headaches and back pain can be symptoms of several conditions ranging from infections to injury and PMS. 

In some cases, rest and simple home remedies can relieve the pain. But if the pain is severe or persists, it is important to seek medical attention. It is crucial to understand how headaches and back pain are related.

Headaches and Back Pain

Chronic headaches and back pain can be debilitating. Studies suggest a link between the two conditions, paving the way for more effective treatment. Health professionals have often treated the two conditions separately, but the two often appear together. 

Treating the two conditions as one can offer better results. Headache and back pain can be signs of a serious medical condition. It is vital to seek medical attention if you experience the symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by fever. 

Conditions Causing Headache and Back Pain

Several conditions cause both headache and back pain. The conditions include injuries from falls or accidents, poor posture that strains the muscles, premenstrual syndrome, and pregnancy. Headaches and back pain can also result from flu, meningitis, and encephalitis. 

Migraines are often intense headaches and back pain. The two conditions also affect patients with arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They also affect people with fibromyalgia, polycystic kidney disease, and brain aneurysm. 

Diagnosing Headache and Back Pain

When diagnosing back pain and headache, a health practitioner will carry out a physical exam and take a medical history. The doctor will want to know how long you have experienced the pain. It also helps to determine the nature of how intense the pain is and when or where it occurs. 

The doctor will inquire about any additional symptoms that you are experiencing. The doctor can perform more tests to make a proper diagnosis. The testing may include assessing how you stand, walk, or sit, neurological exams, blood tests, imaging tests, and EMG.

Treatment for Headache and Back Pain

The practitioner will develop a treatment plan that will work for your situation. Some of the treatments include getting rest, applying a hot or cold compress, taking OTC medication, and taking prescription medication. 

Other treatments include using tricyclic antidepressants in low doses and cortisone injections to relieve back pain. Chiropractic therapy can help in loosening tight muscles. If the headaches and back pain results from an underlying condition, the chiropractor will treat the root condition.

Preventing Headaches and Back Pain

Maintaining a good posture when standing or sitting can help prevent headaches and back pain. Be careful to avoid back or head injuries. To do this, you should wear protective gear when working and be careful when lifting heavy objects. Making healthy lifestyle choices and managing health conditions like high blood pressure can help prevent them. 

It is vital to find the root cause of the headaches and back pain. This will help in getting effective treatment. 

To find out how headaches and back pain are related, visit Well Adjusted at our office in Brooklyn, New York. You can call (718) 568-6228 today to schedule an appointment.