What does a headache with a stiff neck mean?
You also have a stiff neck or high fever. But add in the telltale symptom of a stiff neck, and you may have meningitis. The infection, which can be bacterial or viral, affects the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The swelling of these membranes is what can trigger a headache and stiff neck.
Does COVID cause neck and back pain?
“People who have COVID-19 may experience muscle pain and body aches due to the body’s inflammatory response, which can be felt in the upper and lower back,” says Sagar Parikh, M.D., an interventional pain medicine specialist and Director of the Center for Sports and Spine Medicine at JFK Johnson.
What does a headache from meningitis feel like?
A headache caused by meningitis is typically described as severe and unrelenting. It does not subside by taking an aspirin. Stiff neck. This symptom most commonly involves a reduced ability to flex the neck forward, also called nuchal rigidity.
Should I go to ER for severe neck pain?
Get to an emergency room immediately if your neck pain occurs with symptoms such as: Fever or chills. Severe, persistent headache. Nausea or vomiting.
Can a brain tumor cause neck pain?
Tumor. A brain tumor, especially if it is located in the cerebellum, can cause a stiff neck. A tumor in the cervical spine, such as from cancer, could also cause the neck to become sore and/or stiff.
What causes extreme headaches and neck pain?
Neck Pain and Headache: Likely Causes Headaches that occur along with neck pain are often caused by: Stress. Posture. Poor lighting. Gum chewing. Migraine headache. Cluster headache. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Meningitis. Post-traumatic headache.
What is causing my neck pain and headache?
Because cervicogenic headaches arise from problems in the neck, different conditions can trigger this type of pain. These include degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, a prolapsed disc in the neck, or a whiplash injury. Falling down or playing sports can also cause injury to the neck and trigger these headaches.
Why does my neck hurt when I have a headache?
Neck pain and headaches are often connected because a stiff neck, herniated cervical disc, or irritated spinal nerves can cause headaches. Headaches that result from neck discomfort or neck injury are called cervicogenic headaches. Pain in the back of your neck and head can also cause severe cluster-like headaches or tension headaches.
What causes stiff neck and head pressure?
Common Causes of Stiff Neck. By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain. In particular, the levator scapulae muscle is susceptible to injury. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapulae muscle connects the neck’s cervical spine with the shoulder.