Does Arthritis Cause Headaches/Migraines?

Arthritis is a term that is thrown around a lot and it is very common for headache and migraine sufferers to have some level of arthritis in their neck, particularly when they are older in age, but to what degree does arthritis contribute to headaches/migraines and what can you do if you have arthritis?
 
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 different conditions that target the joints, where 2 bones come into contact. It is commonly found in weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees as well as in the spine, the neck included. The most common form of arthritis is known as Osteoarthritis and it refers to the wear and tear or age related degeneration of the protective padding in your joints known as cartilage. This can lead to a change in the size of your joints or a change in the curvature of your spine and neck.
 
Commonly arthritis is thought of as an older person’s condition but this is not the case, it is not only seen in the elderly. Studies have shown that up to 30% of people in their 20s who have had imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs, have signs of what would be considered arthritis with no headaches or related symptoms. Quite commonly these people were and are still able to continue participating in the activities they enjoy e.g. cooking, running, yoga.
 
Does arthritis cause headaches/migraines?
Arthritis in the neck does not cause headaches and migraines, and most of the time the findings on X-rays and MRIs showing signs of arthritis are coincidental, it can contribute to the severity of them.
 
Inflammation of the joints in the neck increases the sensitivity of the pain receptors. Arthritis, over time, can also lead to a change in the biomechanics and posture of the neck, increasing dysfunction in the lower joints of the neck which will ultimately negatively affect the headache and migraine producing upper 3 joints. A change in posture will also lead to an increase in tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
 
So what should you do if you have been told you have arthritis?
Maintaining an overall healthy weight and lifestyle has been shown to be the best intervention for managing and reversing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. This does not mean that all people with arthritis should sign up for the next marathon or high intensity interval class, especially if they have not been exercising regularly, but rather building up slowly and doing exercises appropriate for the individual e.g. walking, pilates, yoga etc.
 
Movement and exercise of the affected joints as well can help to decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines. Avoiding stagnant postures and staying in the one position for too long e.g. sitting at a desk for long periods, reading for extended periods etc., will help to keep your neck healthy. Therefore performing neck circles and self mobilization neck exercises will help to keep your neck mobile and decrease the intensity and frequency of your headaches and migraines.
 
Having regular treatments on your neck with a manual therapist can also help to keep your neck mobile and reduce the dysfunctions in the area to help to reduce the impact that arthritis can have on your headaches and/or migraines.
 
 
For more information on how to prevent arthritis from affecting your headaches/migraines, or to book in with one of our practitioners, call us on (03) 9486 7543 today. 

Dr Kevin (Osteopath) - Located in our Brunswick Clinic