Many different nerves that originate from the spinal cord can lead to head and neck pain. They can lead to sharp shooting or dull achy pains or headaches. They can be associated with whiplash injuries.
Facet joints in the neck can help stabilize the spine. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of facet joint syndrome caused by inflammation or detrition of the joint. Just like the joints in the knees and hands, the joints in the neck can suffer from arthritis. Trauma to the joints can also lead to pain. Typically, patients will feel aches especially with turning, flexing, or extending the neck. Many times the pain can be referred to the head, shoulders, and arms.
Irritated bands of muscle can result in aches, spasm, or tightness which can lead to pain over a remote area. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, caused by “trigger points” (irritated muscle bands) can often times can cause head pain.