Neck Muscles May Be to Blame for Common Headaches, Including Migraines

Stress, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits are well-known triggers for common headaches. However, a new study has identified another major factor that may be contributing to the pain: neck inflammation. Researchers have uncovered the first objective evidence that neck muscles are frequently involved in primary headaches.

The study included 50 young adults, some of whom suffered from tension or migraine headaches, while others served as healthy controls. Participants underwent special MRI scans of their trapezius muscles, which run down the back of the neck and across the shoulder blades. The researchers focused on the intensity of muscle activation, a measure known as muscle T2.

The results revealed that individuals with tension or migraine headaches had the highest T2 values. These elevated values were associated with increased neck and myofascial pain, as well as more frequent headache days. One of the study's authors noted that their findings support the role of neck muscles in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. As a result, treatments targeting the neck muscles could potentially relieve both neck pain and headaches simultaneously.

The researcher also mentioned that their work could lead to new, non-invasive treatment options that might be safer than systemic drugs.