Headaches are a common occurrence, affecting millions of people worldwide. While dehydration, stress, and lack of sleep are frequent culprits, a throbbing head could also be a symptom of a more underlying condition like arthritis.
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing over 100 conditions that affect the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. While joint pain is the hallmark symptom of arthritis, some forms can manifest in surprising ways, including headaches.
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Yash Gulati, Senior Conusultant, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement and Spine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said, “Headaches arising from arthritis are uncommon yet possible.”
Arthritis and Headaches: The Link Explained
The connection between arthritis and headaches isn't straightforward. Dr Gulati said, “Headaches due to arthritis happen particularly when small joints at the back of the neck, known as facet joints, become inflamed and undergo an arthritis process akin to larger joints like hips and knees.”
He continued, “This inflammation can cause neck pain, which may radiate to the back or sides of the head, especially if the upper neck joints are involved. Additionally, arthritis affecting the joint between the head and neck can also contribute to head pain.”
Here are the diffeent reasons which may connect arthritis to headaches:
Cervicogenic Headaches
According to American Migraine Foundation, this type of headache originates in the upper cervical spine, the vertebrae at the top of your neck that support your head. Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of arthritis, can affect these vertebrae, causing misalignment and inflammation. This, in turn, can irritate nerves in the neck, leading to pain that radiates to the head, mimicking a headache.
Also Read: Beware Of These Triggers That Can Worsen Joint Pain In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inflammatory Arthritis
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, involve chronic inflammation throughout the body. This widespread inflammation can affect tissues surrounding the head and neck, leading to headaches. A China based study published in the journal ‘Heliyon’ suggest people with RA are more prone to migraines than the general population.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications used to manage arthritis, such as pain relievers, can cause rebound headaches if taken too frequently. This creates a cycle of dependence where headaches worsen without medication, prompting you to take more, ultimately perpetuating the problem.
Identifying Arthritis-Related Headaches
Here are some clues that your headache might be linked to arthritis:
- Location: The pain originates in the neck or upper back and radiates to the head.
- Accompanying Symptoms: Headaches are accompanied by neck stiffness, pain, or reduced mobility.
- Headache Type: The headaches are tension-type headaches, characterised by a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head, or cervicogenic headaches, with pain concentrated in the back of the head and neck.
- Triggering Activities: Activities that strain the neck, like prolonged computer use or maintaining a poor posture, can worsen the headache.
Managing Headaches Due To Arthritis
If you experience frequent headaches, especially those accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, consulting a doctor is crucial.
Dr Gulati said, “It's crucial to determine the precise cause of the pain and address any underlying diseases accordingly. Before attributing headaches to neck arthritis, it's essential to rule out more serious causes.”
If your doctor confirms a link between your headaches and arthritis, there are steps you can take for relief. Dr Gulati said, “If neck arthritis is confirmed as the source, management strategies may include using a soft cervical collar to rest the neck and alleviate referred pain. Supportive treatments such as pain relievers and long-term physiotherapy can also be beneficial.”
Also Read: Suffering From Arthritis? Here Are A Few Tips To Manage Worsening Symptoms During Winter
Dr Gulati concluded that you should not ignore headaches, especially if they persist or worsen. Early diagnosis and management of the underlying cause, whether it's arthritis or another condition, is key to achieving long-term relief and improving your quality of life.