MRI Study Finds Objective Evidence of Inflammation in Neck Muscles of Primary Headache Sufferers

New research using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides the first objective evidence that inflammation in the neck muscles is frequently involved in common primary headaches, such as migraine and tension-type headache.

The study used quantitative MRI to detect and measure subtle inflammation within the trapezius muscles of the neck, suggesting a biological basis for the neck pain often reported by headache sufferers.

Quote: "Our imaging approach provides first objective evidence for the very frequent involvement of the neck muscles in primary headaches... using the ability to quantify subtle inflammation within muscles," said Dr. Nico Sollmann, lead researcher from University Hospital Ulm and University Hospital Rechts der Isar.

Key Study Findings

Researchers investigated the trapezius muscles (large muscles in the upper back and neck) in 50 participants, comparing:

1. Healthy controls (22 participants).
2. Patients with tension-type headache (16 participants).
3. Patients with both tension-type headache and migraine episodes (12 participants).

• Evidence of Inflammation: The group with tension-type headache plus migraine showed the highest muscle T2 values—a measurement interpreted as a surrogate of inflammation and increased sensitivity of nerve fibers within myofascial tissues.
• Correlation: The increased muscle T2 values were significantly associated with both the number of headache days a patient experienced and the presence of subjectively perceived neck pain.
• Differentiation: Dr. Sollmann noted that these quantifiable inflammatory changes "allow us to differentiate between healthy individuals and patients suffering from primary headaches."

Implications for Treatment

While the underlying causes of primary headaches are still not fully understood, these findings strongly support the connection between neck muscle involvement and headache pain.

• New Treatment Avenues: Dr. Sollmann concluded, "Therefore, treatments that target the neck muscles could lead to a simultaneous relief of neck pain, as well as headache."
• Objective Monitoring: The muscle T2 mapping technique could serve as an objective biomarker in the near future. This would allow physicians to better select patients for specific noninvasive treatments targeting the neck muscles and to accurately track the effectiveness of those treatments over time.

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Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.