Recurring headaches can make it hard to concentrate, enjoy your day or know what to try next. If neck pain or stiffness comes with them, that is worth mentioning in an assessment. The neck can contribute to some headaches, but it is only one part of the picture.
What is a neck-related headache?
A cervicogenic headache is caused by a problem in the neck, with pain felt in the head. It can share features with migraine and tension-type headaches, which can make the difference difficult to recognize on your own.
Neck stiffness alone doesn't establish the cause. An assessment considers your headache history, symptoms and examination findings together.
Patterns worth discussing
Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any of these. They can inform an assessment, but none confirms a neck-related headache on its own:
- Pain that begins near the base of your skull and spreads toward your temple, forehead or eye
- Head pain that tends to stay on one side
- Headaches that change with neck movement or long periods at a desk
- Neck stiffness before or during a headache
- Headaches that keep returning despite your usual care
- Shoulder or arm discomfort alongside the headache
- A link between your symptoms and your sleeping position
An assessment can help work out whether your neck is contributing and whether you need other medical care.
How can pain in the neck be felt in the head?
Pain signals from the upper neck and parts of the head meet in connected nerve pathways. In some conditions, this can lead to pain being felt in the head even when it begins in the neck.
This is called referred pain. It doesn't mean every stiff muscle or neck change is a headache cause.
During an assessment, I may ask about or check:
- Time spent in one position at a desk or on your phone
- Previous neck injuries, including whiplash
- How comfortably your neck joints move
- Tenderness in the muscles around your neck
- Relevant neck conditions or changes in your health
How I approach care
I first assess whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If your neck appears to be contributing, we can discuss options such as:
- Neck joint treatment, including adjustments where appropriate and with your consent
- Soft tissue work for the muscles around your neck and shoulders
- Practical changes to your working position and movement breaks
- Exercises chosen for you, with instructions emailed after your visit
Recommendations depend on your assessment, preferences and response to care. I'll explain what I find and when another healthcare provider should be involved.
When to seek help
Arrange a medical assessment for recurring, worsening or changing headaches. If neck symptoms are part of the pattern, I can assess whether they may be contributing alongside your other care.
For a sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache with new weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, loss of vision, or fever and a stiff neck, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. A new headache after a head injury also needs prompt medical assessment.
A note on migraine
Migraine can come with neck pain, so a sore neck doesn't mean migraine was misdiagnosed. Keep working with your medical provider on migraine care. A neck assessment may help clarify whether there is also a separate neck problem to address.