Head and neck pain: causes, relief methods & expert advice

Head and neck pain often lead to restrictions in the mobility of the head, which are noticeable in everyday life, e.g. when looking around (usually in rotation), when stretching or when driving (looking over the shoulder). Many patients also report a disturbed night's sleep: they cannot find a position in bed that is comfortable or relaxing.

The best treatment option is to relieve the overstimulated muscles. This can be achieved in many ways: On the one hand, through local passive treatment of the cervical spine (manual therapy) and the associated muscles (e.g. with trigger point treatment or dry needling). On the other hand, this also includes optimising posture in everyday life.

Subsequently, strengthening the weakened muscles (reconditioning) should also be part of the treatment. As on-site therapy alone is not sufficient, patients are instructed to carry out their exercises independently at home and integrate them into their everyday lives.

Head and neck pain can be caused by tension, stress, poor posture, injuries or illnesses such as migraines.

Regular breaks at work, stretching exercises, ergonomic work equipment and stress reduction can contribute to prevention.

Head and neck pain is usually caused by tension. Exercise, stretching and general strengthening of the muscles are very good ways of preventing tension. Heat promotes blood circulation in the muscles and therefore relaxation. Well-trained muscles alone are no guarantee of freedom from pain, but they do make an important contribution to a strong and healthy neck.

The best treatment option is to relieve the overstimulated muscles. This can be achieved in many ways: On the one hand, through local passive treatment of the cervical spine (manual therapy) and the associated muscles (e.g. with trigger point treatment or dry needling). On the other hand, this also includes optimising posture in everyday life.

Subsequently, strengthening the weakened muscles (reconditioning) should also be part of the treatment. As on-site therapy alone is not sufficient, patients are instructed to carry out their exercises independently at home and integrate them into their everyday lives.

In most cases, a clinical diagnosis is sufficient to find out where the head and neck pain is coming from. The patient is asked exactly where the pain occurs and which movements trigger or alleviate it. Specific triggers such as a fall or an accident and the frequency with which the pain occurs are also discussed.

This is followed by a more detailed functional examination. This includes an assessment of

• the general posture
• the active and passive mobility of the cervical spine
• sensitivity, strength and reflexes of the upper extremities
• the neighbouring joints (shoulder, thoracic spine, temporomandibular joint, etc.)

All these steps are necessary to rule out dangerous conditions.

An imaging examination (X-ray, CT or MRI) is unnecessary in most cases and is also not recommended in the international guidelines for head and neck pain.

Gentle stretching exercises, neck rotations and shoulder rolls can help to relieve tension in the neck area.

Medical advice should be sought if the headache is persistent, very severe or suddenly worsens, or if there are accompanying symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea.

In most cases, a clinical diagnosis is sufficient to find out where the head and neck pain is coming from. The patient is asked exactly where the pain occurs and which movements trigger or alleviate it. Specific triggers such as a fall or an accident and the frequency with which the pain occurs are also discussed.

This is followed by a more detailed functional examination. This includes an assessment of

• the general posture
• the active and passive mobility of the cervical spine
• sensitivity, strength and reflexes of the upper extremities
• the neighbouring joints (shoulder, thoracic spine, temporomandibular joint, etc.)

All these steps are necessary to rule out dangerous conditions.

An imaging examination (X-ray, CT or MRI) is unnecessary in most cases and is also not recommended in the international guidelines for head and neck pain.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your family doctor. After a medical assessment, he or she will give you a prescription for physiotherapy. You can use this document to contact a physiotherapist of your choice and make your own appointments - we will be pleased if you choose the Therapy Competence Centre at Bethesda Hospital.

Normally, a prescription for physiotherapy is limited to 9 treatments. If further sessions are required, the therapist can request a further 9 treatments from your treating doctor. The costs of the therapy will be covered by your basic health insurance, less your chosen deductible. If you have already been to physiotherapy, you have the option of booking the first consultation for assessment directly as a "self-payer".

Yes, poor posture, especially when sitting, can lead to tension and pain in the neck and head area.

Stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulder area, which can lead to headaches.

Warm compresses, relaxation techniques and peppermint oil can help to relieve mild pain.

Depending on the cause, painkillers, physiotherapy, acupuncture or special medication for migraines may be prescribed.

Sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time and constantly looking down at your smartphone can lead to neck strain, known as "mobile phone neck".

A migraine is a type of headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. It differs from tension headaches in its intensity and additional symptoms