Experiencing neck pain along with involuntary head shaking can be alarming. But in most cases, the causes are benign. Understanding the common reasons for these symptoms and using the right treatments can help find relief.
What Causes Neck Pain and Head Shaking?
Stress and Tension
Stress induces muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which can radiate up and cause head pain. This may lead to shaking or tremors in the head due to tense muscles. Practicing stress-relieving activities is key. Massage, warm baths, meditation, yoga, and ensuring adequate rest can help relax tension.
Poor Posture
Slumping into a hunched position strains the neck muscles and vertebrae. This compressive posture irritates nerves and contributes to pain. Try to maintain good posture by keeping your chin level, shoulders back, and head aligned above the spine. Use ergonomic office equipment and take frequent breaks from computers.
Whiplash Injury
Sudden movements like a car accident or sports injury can sprain the neck’s soft tissues. Whiplash leads to inflammation and muscle spasms, causing neck pain that may radiate up the head. Gentle stretches, ice packs, pain relievers, and time can help whiplash heal. See a doctor if severe.
Degenerative Discs
Wear and tear on the cervical discs between vertebrae is common with aging. Degeneration shrinks the discs, allowing vertebrae to rub together. This pinches nerves, provoking inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Gentle neck exercises, posture correction, pain medication, and physical therapy provide relief.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the upper spine and facet joints is a frequent cause of neck pain in older adults. The joints stiffen and lose cushioning cartilage, leading to inflammation, muscle tightness, and headaches. Anti-inflammatory medication, hot/cold therapy, massage, and joint injections can help arthritis pain.
Dystonia
Dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions causing repetitive movements or abnormal postures like head shaking. Cervical dystonia affects neck muscles specifically. Botulinum toxin injections often successfully reduce shaking. Oral medications, physical therapy, and stress management also help dystonia.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease hampers movement due to low dopamine levels in the brain. This may cause rigidity and tremors in the neck muscles leading to head shaking. Medications like levodopa that increase dopamine can minimize shaking episodes. Exercise, physical therapy, and deep brain stimulation also help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a nervous system disorder causing shaking of the hands, head, voice, or body parts during movement. The mild tremors worsen with age but are usually not painful. Reducing caffeine, meditation, beta blockers, and weighting wrists can help manage essential tremor shaking episodes.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your physician if head shaking and neck pain persist beyond a few days, are severe, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Seek prompt emergency care for head or neck trauma. Diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies may be needed to pinpoint causes and guide treatment.
Self-Care and Lifestyle Remedies
While waiting to see a doctor, focus on self-care to find symptom relief:
- Apply ice packs to reduce muscle swelling or inflammation
- Use OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories
- Try muscle rubs containing menthol or camphor on the neck
- Massage tense neck muscles or get a professional massage
- Perform gentle neck stretches and exercises
- Use good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga
- Get plenty of rest and sleep to allow tissues to heal
With the right lifestyle adjustments, home remedies, and medical treatments if needed, neck pain and head shaking can typically be successfully managed for a higher quality of life.