Can Your Neck Actually Be Causing Your Headaches?

A patient asked me recently:

"Can my neck actually be causing my headaches?"

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Watch this 60-second explanation from Dr Paula, then continue below for more detail.

In many cases, the answer may be yes.

Many people are surprised to learn that some headaches can be influenced by structures in the neck.

That doesn't mean every headache comes from the neck. Headaches can have many different causes, which is why a proper assessment is important.

But for many people, there is a clear pattern.

The neck becomes tight.

Movement becomes restricted.

The muscles start working harder.

Then the headache follows.

The Neck and Head Are Closely Connected

The joints, muscles and nerves in the upper neck share close connections with the areas that process sensation from the head.

When certain joints aren't moving well, the surrounding muscles often tighten to compensate.

Over time, that tension can refer pain into the head, creating the symptoms many people describe as headaches.

Where Are These Headaches Usually Felt?

People often describe headaches in different locations.

Some notice pain at the base of the skull.

Others feel discomfort behind the eyes.

Some experience tension around the temples or across the forehead.

A common pattern is that the symptoms gradually build throughout the day, particularly after long periods sitting, working at a computer, driving, or looking down at devices.

Why Does It Keep Happening?

Often the headache itself isn't the whole story.

Many people focus on the pain in their head, but the contributing factors may have been building for hours, days or even weeks beforehand.

Poor posture.

Prolonged sitting.

Workstation habits.

Stress and muscle tension.

Reduced neck movement.

Over time, these factors may place increasing strain on the neck and surrounding muscles.

Then eventually the headache appears.

Looking Beyond the Symptoms

When assessing recurring headaches, we look beyond where the pain is felt.

We assess how the neck is moving, whether certain joints are restricted, how the surrounding muscles are functioning, and whether there are contributing postural or mechanical factors involved.

Understanding the pattern is often the first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can neck problems cause headaches?

Yes, in some people the joints, muscles and surrounding tissues of the neck may contribute to headache patterns. These are often referred to as cervicogenic headaches.

Why do my headaches start at the base of my skull?

The upper neck has close neurological and muscular connections to the head. Tension or restriction in this area may contribute to pain that begins near the base of the skull.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Prolonged postures may place additional stress on the neck and surrounding muscles, which can contribute to headache patterns in some people.

Why do my headaches get worse throughout the day?

For some people, prolonged sitting, computer work, driving, muscle tension or reduced movement can gradually increase strain on the neck and surrounding tissues, leading to worsening symptoms as the day progresses.

Can neck tension cause headaches behind the eyes?

Some people experience headache patterns that are felt behind the eyes, around the temples, or across the forehead. In certain cases, tension and dysfunction in the neck may be a contributing factor.

This one is shaping up nicely because it naturally follows your previous blog about recurring pain and continues the theme of helping people understand what may be contributing to symptoms rather than simply chasing the symptoms themselves.

Are all headaches caused by the neck?

No. Headaches can have many different causes. That's why an appropriate assessment is important to identify potential contributing factors.

The Bottom Line

If you regularly experience headaches along with neck stiffness, tension, or discomfort, there may be a connection worth exploring.

Our team at The Chiropractic Domain in Goodwood regularly assesses people experiencing recurring headaches, neck tension and postural strain.

Understanding what may be contributing to your headaches is often the first step toward finding a better path forward.