Survey study, 2015
Are neck problems linked to migraines during menstrual periods?
Yes. Women with perimenstrual migraines had more neck problems including reduced movement, tight muscles, and muscle tenderness. Tight muscles, reduced nerve flexibility, and upper spine stiffness were associated with notably higher migraine risk.
What they did
Researchers compared 40 women with perimenstrual migraines to 46 women without migraines. They asked about neck pain and stiffness, then conducted blinded physical exams assessing posture, neck movement, muscle strength and tightness, tender points, nerve flexibility, and spine joint movement.
What they found
Women with migraines reported greater neck pain and stiffness. They had reduced neck rotation, tight muscles in the neck and upper back, more tender points in neck muscles, and reduced nerve flexibility. Tight neck muscles increased migraine risk 2.4 to 6.7 fold. Reduced nerve flexibility increased risk 5.8 to 10.7 fold. Increased stiffness in the upper spine increased risk 17 fold. Posture and muscle strength showed no clear differences.
What it means for you
The study suggests neck problems, particularly muscle tightness and stiff joints, are associated with perimensstrual migraines. Women with these migraines might benefit from neck assessment and treatment. However, the study is small and cross-sectional, so it cannot prove neck problems cause migraines or that treating them would reduce frequency.
2.4-6.7x
Migraine risk increase with tight neck muscles
5.8-10.7x
Risk increase with reduced nerve flexibility
17x
Risk increase with upper spine stiffness
About the study
- Original title
- An Exploratory Study to Determine the Relationship between Cervical Dysfunction and Perimenstrual Migraines
- Authors
- Horwitz S, Stewart A
- Journal
- Physiotherapy Canada. Physiotherapie Canada
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None - observational comparison study
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3138/ptc.2012-47
Topics
Related studies
Study, 2001
Does estrogen or progesterone affect magnesium levels in brain blood vessels?
Survey study, 2025
Does menstruation affect how well women perform at work?
Survey study, 2024
What attitudes do women have about menstruation and what affects these attitudes?
Randomised trial, 2022
Does emotion-focused group therapy help women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2018
Does how women think about menstruation affect their PMS symptoms?
Non-randomised trial, 2010
How accurate are different methods for diagnosing menstrual migraine?