Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 10/21/2008

Question
I am a patient of Migraine since my childhood. Now I am 33. Since last two years I am suffering from severe neck pain. It starts at any time. Initially I feel stiffness and I can hear a sound of wear and tear. Slowly it goes to the head and headache similar to vascular headache starts. I start feeling dizziness and nausea. I also feel like slight fever.

I got my neck X-Rayed few months back. The report shows no disease in the bone but the muscle has gone stiff. I consulted doctors but they give simple pain reliever tablets and ointments which are not at all beneficial.

Please let me know what it is and why Migraine triggers with neck pain. Is the neck pain a Migraine of another category? How to get rid of this?

Answer
I would suggest searching out a good chiropractor.  Having been seen my medical doctors, it is probable that there are no serious problems.  Recent studies have shown that there is a direct link in the upper cervical area between the spine and the meninges (covering of the cord and brain).  misalignment in this area can cause headaches and/or migraines.