Spotlight on Migraine® Migraine and Neck Pain: A Symptom or a Cause?
Apr 15, 2025
Dr. Richard Lipton, a prominent neurologist and head of the Montefiore Headache Center, discusses the surprising connection between neck pain and migraines. He reveals that up to 60% of migraine sufferers also experience neck pain and explores whether it acts as a symptom or trigger for migraines. Delving into innovative treatments, he shares proactive strategies for managing attacks during the prodrome phase and highlights the significance of early intervention. With insights from recent studies, he emphasizes neck pain as a crucial warning sign for migraine sufferers.
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Neck Pain: Symptom and Trigger
- Neck pain can be both a symptom and a trigger of migraine attacks.
- The convergence of neck and head pain nerves in the brainstem explains this overlap.
Timing Guides Neck Pain Treatment
- Use the timing of neck pain to distinguish if it's part of migraine or a separate disorder.
- Early treatment during prodrome, triggered by neck pain, can prevent headache onset.
Neck Pain Indicates Severe Migraine
- Migraine with neck pain tends to have more frequent, severe, and disabling attacks.
- More symptoms correlate with greater disease severity and reduced quality of life.