Unveiling the Hidden Link Between Neck Inflammation and Common Headaches

German researchers have discovered that neck muscles play a significant role in primary headaches, such as tension-type headaches and migraines. Using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study found that individuals experiencing both tension-type headaches and migraines had higher muscle T2 values, indicating inflammation and heightened sensitivity in the muscle tissues. Assessing muscle T2 values could help identify and monitor treatment effects for patients with primary headaches, potentially leading to targeted non-invasive treatments that relieve both neck pain and headaches.