Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 12/30/2010

Question
I have been getting headaches for a while now. I am not sure which kinds they are (tension, migraine, etc). I take Excedrin Migraine with relief sometimes. I get them first thing in the morning sometimes, especially if I sleep "wrong" on the pillow. I have a lot of discomfort in my neck (where the head and neck meet)at times as well. Sometimes I feel as if my body is "sideways." I went to a chiropractor once or twice and he said my spine looked like someone's who has been in a bad car accident (thank God,I haven't). What could have caused this and could this be why my head hurts?

Answer
Without an actual hands on exam, it is hard to peg the exact cause.  Many factors can cause the spine to look like you have been in an accident:  falls, work injuries, etc.  I would say that if there are muscle issues (tightness, spasm, etc) the neck issues can be causing the headaches.