Neck Pain and Headaches: Could They Be Related?
Updated: Oct 14
A ProVital Physiotherapy Guide
Ever noticed that your headache appears after a long stressful day at work, or hours spent looking down at your phone? Your neck and headaches may be more connected than you think.
A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache where pain originating from the neck is felt in the head. However, not every headache is caused by the neck, so understanding your symptoms is important.
When Can Neck Pain and Headaches Happen?
You may have neck pain and headaches after:
Long hours at a computer or laptop
Looking down at your phone for prolonged periods
Long drives or commuting
Certain exercises or increased training
Stressful or busy days
Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
Often, the problem isn't simply having "bad posture". Staying in the same position for too long, reduced movement, high muscle tension and increased physical or mental stress can contribute to neck pain and headaches.
What Could Be Causing It?
Your neck contains joints, muscles and nerves that are linked with the nervous system. When these structures become irritated, stiff or overloaded, they can contribute to pain that travels into the head.
Reduced neck movement, muscle weakness, previous injuries, prolonged positions and changes in activity levels may all play a role in causing headaches.
What Can You Do?
Small changes like:
Taking regular movement breaks if you're sitting for long periods.
Changing positions throughout the day instead of trying to maintain one "perfect" posture.
Keeping your neck and upper back strong with appropriate exercises.
Paying attention to activities that consistently trigger your symptoms.
Prioritising sleep, hydration and stress management.
If you are experiencing a sudden, extremely painful headache or a headache accompanied by fever and a stiff neck, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At ProVital Physio, a physiotherapist will assess your neck movement, strength, joints, muscles and daily activities to determine whether your neck may be contributing to your headaches.
Treatment may include:
Hands-on therapy for pain reduction
Tailored neck, shoulders and upper back exercises
Education on how to manage and prevent future flare-ups
If you're regularly experiencing headaches alongside neck pain or stiffness, a physiotherapy assessment at ProVital Physio may help you t
o understand the underlying factor and give you a personalised plan to manage them.
Reference:
1. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. (2018). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3): 11.2.1 Cervicogenic headache. https://ichd-3.org/11-headache-or-facial-pain-attributed-to-disorder-of-the-cranium-neck-eyes-ears-nose-sinuses-teeth-mouth-or-other-facial-or-cervical-structure/11-2-headache-attributed-to-disorder-of-the-neck/11-2-1-cervicogenic-headache/
2. Demont, A., Lafrance, S., Gaska, C., Kechichian, A., Bourmaud, A., & Desmeules, F. (2023). Efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for the management of adults with cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PM&R, 15(5), 613–628. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12856
3. Jung, A., Carvalho, G. F., Szikszay, T. M., Pawlowsky, V., Gabler, T., & Luedtke, K. (2024). Physical therapist interventions to reduce headache intensity, frequency, and duration in patients with cervicogenic headache: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Physical Therapy, 104(2), pzad154. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzad154
4. Becher, B., Lozano-López, C., Moreira de Castro-Carletti, E., Hoffmann, M., Becher, C., Mesa-Jimenez, J., Fernandez-de-las-Peñas, C., & Armijo-Olivo, S. (2023). Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for the management of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 66, Article 102822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102822
