There are many different types of headaches. The most common are migraine, cluster, and tension.
Tension headacheA tension headache gradually gets worse with time, and neck pain can accompany it. Fatigue, stress, and muscle strain are often underlying causes of these headaches.
These headaches often lead to a dull, throbbing pain on both sides of the head. The pain might come and go.
Learn more about tension headaches here.
Cervicogenic headacheAccording to the American Migraine Association, a specific source of pain in the head or neck causes a cervicogenic headache. It leads to a dull, aching pain on one side of the head.
In addition to pain, a person may experience:
a limited range of motion of their necka headache that worsens as a result of specific movementsincreased headache pain due to pressure on the neckpain that typically occurs on one side of the headpain that starts in the back of the head or neck and trels behind the eyesLearn more about cervicogenic headaches here.
Cluster headacheA cluster headache is a sudden, intense headache that can be debilitating. It usually begins near the eyes or temples and affects just one side of the head.
This headache can make a person he red eyes, a runny nose, and congestion.
Cluster headaches typically last less than 3 hours. They often begin with a prodromal phase, which is when a person may he changes in mood, personality, or sensations. Some people may also he neck stiffness.
Learn more about cluster headaches here.
COVID-19 headacheA COVID-19 infection can cause headaches in some people. According to a 2020 study, 11–34% of people receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 reported experiencing a headache. People with a COVID-19 headache may also he a stiff neck as well as widespread muscle pain, aches, and stiffness.
A COVID-19 headache can happen for several reasons, including:
muscle stiffness, especially in the neck and backa sinus headache from congestioninflammation damage to blood vesselschanges in blood pressureThe virus can also lead to meningitis, which causes a stiff neck, headache, light sensitivity, and sometimes changes in thinking or personality.
Learn more about COVID-19 headaches here.
MigraineMigraine is a type of neurological headache that can cause severe pain.
A 2020 study suggests that neck pain may be the most common migraine symptom, beginning at the same time as the headache.
The study, which included 50 participants, found that neck pain occurred alongside a migraine headache in about 90% of people. The remaining 10% experienced neck pain at other points during their migraine headache.
Learn more about migraine here.
MeningitisMeningitis is swelling of the meninges, which are membranes that line the skull and spinal column. It happens when an infection attacks the meninges. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause meningitis.
People with meningitis often he a very bad headache and a stiff neck that makes it difficult to move the head. It can also cause other symptoms, including:
feverconfusion loss of consciousnessdizzinessnausea and vomitingsensitivity to lightLearn more about meningitis.