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Can Stiff Neck Cause Pressure In Front Of The Head?

Posted on Tue, 3 Jun 2014

Question: Hi can q stiff neck give you pressure in front of the head?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
A stiff neck will cause tightness and possibly spasm of the muscles of the neck. This can commonly extend around the head towards the forehead.
I suggest you try acetaminophen and ibuprofen for the pain. A warm compress applied frequently to the neck may help.. Try gentle stretching exercises for the neck muscles. Ensure your pillows give good support at night. Avoid a neck collar, there is no evidence that these are of help.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (8 minutes later)

thank you for your answer one more question can you have sinus problems or pressure with out runny nose

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further question.
Yes, ou can have a sinus problem without a runny nose. The headache would be around the eyes and forehead as this is where the sinuses lie. You would feel generally unwell possibly with a fever. You may have a post nasal drip. Neck stiffness is not a common feature of sinusitis.
If you have these symptoms then take the painkillers I suggested earlier. Antibiotics are not first line treatment for sinusitis. You could try steam inhalations.
A non-drug suggestion for your neck would be a massage to release tension in the tight muscles. Finally, consider whether any activities you carry out daily or positions you sit may contribute to the stiffness.
I hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (2 minutes later)

Yea got it ,thank you i think the stifness is from sitting on a computer 9 hours a day and major anxiety

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you. If you have any further queries I will be happy to answer, otherwise you may close the question.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (12 hours later)

Hey Doc question can sinus polyp present headaches?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Polyps can cause headaches.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Polyps in the nose can cause infection to develop in the sinuses and as result of this there may be a headache or a feeling of pressure in the sinus areas.
Polyps do not appear on the sinuses as such.
I hope this answers your question.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar