• Headache

Headache

Everyone experiences headaches occasionally. Headache symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Sometimes, the pain originates from a problem in the head itself, but it can also come from the neck or the jaw.

Anatomy of the head

Various muscles extend from the neck to the head, allowing us to move the head in all directions. The head itself also contains many muscles that enable facial, eye, and jaw movements. Blood vessels, nerves, and the spinal cord run to and from the brain. The blood vessels supply the head and brain with oxygen and nutrients. The nerves and spinal cord transmit and process information from the body, allowing us to control muscles and perceive pain.

Different types of headache When muscles are (prolongedly) tense, this may lead to tension headaches. Pain can also come from issues with the nerves in the neck, as seen in cervicogenic headache. Headache caused by migraine or medication use is also common. Cluster headache can cause severe pain attacks around the eye. Headache near the ear may result from a problem with the jaw joint.

Check your headache

Would you like to know what type of headache you have? Take the online self-check. By answering a few questions about your headache, you will gain more insight into your symptoms. After completing the questions, you will receive an overview of the types of headache that most closely match your pain. You can then read where the pain may originate and what you can do about it. You can also find a physiotherapist near you to help you overcome these symptoms.

Conditions causing headache and/or neck pain

The list below includes several common conditions that cause headache and/or neck pain. Click on one of these conditions for more information.

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