If you've suffered from migraines since you were a child and you've tried several meds but none have helped could a knot on the back of your neck that has been there for years be the cause?

Answer 1

A headache caused by a problem with the neck is called Cervicogenic. This is a different headache type from Migraine. That said, neck pain and spasms can trigger Migraine in susceptible individuals.

For best results, seek out the help of a Migraine and Headache Specialist. These doctors are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders beyond the scope of neurologists and primary care doctors.

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It is possible that a knot at the back of the neck could be muscles and fascia which are strained and now badly positioned, causing spasms and increased pressure on the occipital nerves. The occipital nerves are the second largest nerve branch in the head, going up the back of the neck and and head into the eye, where they meet up with the other largest branch - the trigeminal nerve.

For some people with migraines, procedures such as a Greater Occipital Nerve Block, Botox, microvascular decompression surgery, or a spinal implant - are able to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by interrupting the pain cycle that occurs along those nerves in the face and head.

Even something as simple as massage or muscle relaxers may help disrupt any increased pressure on those nerves that may be helping to trigger your migraines.

However, keep in mind that migraines are a complex neurological disorder. Most people have more than one trigger.

Also keep in mind that treating migraines - whether with physical treatment (massage, chiropracty, acupuncture, implants to prevent teeth grinding, biofeedback, meditation, etc..), nutritional therapy (specific diet to determine trigger foods, or using vitamins and herbs shown to decrease migraines), or pharmaceutical therapy (preventative and abortive), it is all trial and error. It all comes down to finding what treatment, or what combination of treatments, works best for an individual.

And when it comes to medications, there are lists upon lists of options. And with preventative migraine medications, it takes at least three months minimum of trying out a medication before you can truly say you've tried that medication. It may take being on more than one type of preventative medication before you truly show improvement.

Another AnswerAbsolutely. The spine has everything to do with how you function. If the spine is crooked (even just a little bit), the nerves can be pinched. If a nerve is pinched, you aren't getting enough power to the part the nerve is attached to. Nerves are attached to every organ and function in your body. It is like pinching your garden hose. A knot is likely part of your spine in the neck that is not in the correct position - that is called a 'subluxation' and you need to see a Chiropractor immediately.