Neck pain and nausea can be connected for a variety of reasons and it is important to rule out potentially life-threatening illness such as meningitis before resorting to painkillers and ginger tea. In some cases severe neck pain can be a trigger for nausea, or may cause dizziness that induces sickness. There are other ways in which nausea and neck pain are related, however, so read on to shed light on these symptoms.
Neck Pain, Nausea and Medications
Some patients find that their medications for neck pain actually cause nausea as a side-effect, necessitating a change in prescription where the symptom becomes extreme. It may help to take medications with food to aid digestion and reduce the risk of stomach upset. Following the guidance on medications is essential to minimize potential problems. If pain medications cause such severe nausea and sickness that pills are not properly digested or a patient starts losing weight then it is extremely important to seek further medical guidance. It may be that anti-nausea medications are prescribed alongside existing pain relief drugs.
Serious Causes of Neck Pain and Nausea
Neck pain and nausea may also be connected as part of cervicocranial syndrome or cervicogenic headaches that create dizziness and inner ear disturbances. Where neck pain is acute and accompanied by fever and a rash it is vital to seek emergency medical attention as these are signs of meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal. Neck pain and nausea that persist should also be investigated to ensure proper treatment is applied and any serious cause is dealt with promptly. Those who are often nauseous and are actually physically sick may develop neck pain as a result of acid damage and trauma to the throat so it is not just the case that neck pain can trigger nausea, nausea and vomiting may trigger neck pain.
Neck Pain, Nausea and Traveling
In some cases neck pain and nausea may be the result of muscle fatigue and may even both be connected to spending a long time traveling. Sitting in the same position for hours can lead to cramps in the muscles as well as residual motion sickness in some people; such symptoms will usually resolve quickly once normal activities are resumed. Spasms and cramps in the neck and shoulders can, however, contribute to neck pain and nausea through pinched nerves or blood vessel occlusion (ischaemia). Relaxation, massage, physical therapy and acupuncture or acupressure could help relieve the symptoms in such cases.
Remedies for Neck Pain and Nausea
Other remedies for neck pain and nausea include ginger tea or even ginger capsules as this herb is both an anti-emetic (helps prevent sickness) and an anti-inflammatory. Peppermint tea and licorice tea are also helpful to reduce nausea and peppermint may also help some people with relief from headaches. Although something simple, such as sitting in a draught or sleeping in an awkward position, can be the cause of neck pain and nausea it is important to rule out more major causes and apply appropriate treatment.