People with myogenic headaches often feel mild to severe discomfort or pain
on one side of their head, although this pain can occur on both sides. The pain usually starts in the neck but can also start
in tight muscles at the back of the head and even in muscles that work the jaw. From either of these places, the pain can
spread to the temples and possibly a combination of the ears, eyes and top of the head.
The pain of a myogenic headache can be severe, although it is rarely accompanied
by extreme migraine symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. The duration of pain varies from episode to
episode and can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks.
If you have a myogenic headache, you may find that awkward or uncomfortable
postures and certain neck movements, like turning or bending, can make the pain worse. The muscles around your neck may also
be tight and abnormally tender, and your neck may resist certain movements and be unable to move through its normal range
of motion.
Because neck muscle stiffness or tightness can lead to myogenic headaches,
a variety of events that affect the neck can cause the condition. These include trauma to the head and neck from injuries
such as whiplash; poor posture, which increases stress on muscles; and occupational or recreational stresses, such as extended
phone use and other activities that keep the neck in awkward positions for prolonged periods.
We can usually reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of your headaches
once we determine the cause or causes.
