Determining where a headache is coming from
 

Is there a good way to see where the headache is stemming from? The neck or the brain?

In my experience, if I am sore at the bony part behind my ears, the head ache may be due to muscle spams from the neck. Ice usually helps with head aches that manifest from my neck.

Checking blood pressure can also help point to a cause as elevated BP can cause head aches.

Thanks Mark..

I was grasping at straws I am sure... was hoping this headache was neck... but this must be my head... I hurt over my right temple, even to touch, all the way to above my ear... then I also have pain like a headband... My BP is 116/60

Yes.

Treat the neck injury. If symptoms lessen or dissipate by fixing whatever is irritating the neck, then the pain was originating from the neck. The brain has no pain receptors, so a headache does not originate from the brain, but from the muscles of the head and neck which contract and become tense which lead to the headache.

When I originally got injured my doctor recommended a Chiropractor and then an Osteopath. Frankly, both were wastes of time and money. I don't think they knew at all what they were talking about. Their treatments were designed around treating my symptoms and not the underlying issues.

For some reason I never thought to go to my Physiotherapist. Everybody has told me to rest, so that's what I've done. I actually went just yesterday to my Physio for the first time (for this injury).

The verdict is still out as to whether or not his treatment will resolve my issues, but early indications are positive. He made a diagnosis within minutes and was able to describe my symptoms better than I can and before I even had a chance to tell him everything that's been going on.

Headache, balance issues, vertigo, nausea, light and sound sensitivity and tinnitus (ringing ears) can all be caused by cranial and spinal nerve damage. Fortunately, this all seems to be easily treatable.

He says I have an injured spinal accessory nerve. My Physio indicated that injuries to the nerves of the head and neck are very, very common in "whiplash" type injuries. The accessory nerve is particularly vulnerable. He said he treats many injured accessory nerves at any one time.

One thing he did mention is that these types of injuries often do not resolve on their own. He has had cases where people come in two years post MVA and their symptoms are getting worse still.

If you feel you have a neck issue, I would recommend seeing a Physiotherapist who is experienced in dealing with "whiplash" injuries (I suspect most are given how common these are).

I have the same thing (pain over my left ear, temple and forehead). My Physio indicates this all stems from my nerve injury. The muscles tense or "guard up" to prevent further injury, which leads to the pain or ache.

Mushybrains... this description "Headache, balance issues, vertigo, nausea, light and sound sensitivity and tinnitus (ringing ears)" is me most days... Thank you!

I feel that if I could just get the headache tolerable I could go back to work... I so badly want to go back to work...

I will look into a Physiotherapist now... and see what I can find in my area...

I know that I am still early (4.5 months out) but I really just want my life back!

Hi Sarah,

As a simple home experiment, put on a cervical collar and see if the extra stability lessens your headache.

My PT suggested I do this when my head is really pounding, or my neuro symptoms are flaring badly, and I've found that, sometimes, it does help. In my case, my neck is unstable, but the neuro surgeon feels surgery would be too risky.

Hockey.... I have been meaning to ask you and keep forgetting (LOL) where can I get a cervical collar? Can I ask the neurologist for one?

I had a torture massage session (one that was to get the tension out not a luxury one) yesterday on my neck and my head does not feel like it is splitting open, still have a headache but not as bad, for the first time in over a week... which makes me wonder if it is mostly my neck that is the problem and the more my head hurts the more i tense up and then i just get into a vicious cycle...

With all that said... what do I do??? Neurologist or orthopedic doc or both?

They sell collars at drug stores, but they might prove too small and soft.
You might visit a medical supply shop and look at Aspen collars. They come in soft and rigid varieties.

You're at the stage in your injury when the neck swelling, internal and external, is dissipating. Swelling is nature's way to immobilize and protect injuries. With the loss of the swelling, your neck might be less stable, and aggravating your symptoms.