I have headaches with neck stiffness — could MRI help?
Q1: Why do headaches occur with neck stiffness?
Headaches with neck stiffness often come from tension in cervical muscles, irritated joints, or pinched nerves in the neck. MRI can determine if a disc or joint is pressing on nerves that refer pain to the head.
Q2: Can posture or stress cause these headaches?
Poor posture and muscle strain can trigger symptoms, but if pain persists despite rest or therapy, a structural issue should be ruled out with MRI.
Q3: What risks come from ignoring chronic neck-related headaches?
Ongoing nerve compression or joint inflammation can worsen and become chronic, leading to reduced range of motion and persistent headaches. MRI prevents misdiagnosis and wasted time on ineffective treatments.
Q4: How does MRI help compared to X-ray or CT?
MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of discs, joints, and nerves. X-rays show only bone alignment, while CT scans miss many soft tissue causes of headaches.
Q5: Where can I get an MRI for neck-related headaches?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatment options to help you recover safely.