If you’ve ever felt a headache start in the back of your head and move up toward your forehead, your neck might be the source. In fact, neck pain headaches are more common than most people realize! Cervicogenic headaches (to use their medical name) are particularly common among people who spend long hours working at a desk or using digital devices.
At Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness, we regularly help people struggling with neck pain and headaches. Understanding the link between them is the first step in helping you find effective relief.
What You Need to Know About Cervicogenic Headaches
The word “cervicogenic” means the pain starts in the cervical spine—your neck—and then spreads upward into your head. These headaches (opens in a new tab) are often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches, but they have a very specific cause: an issue in the bones, discs, joints, or soft tissues of the neck.
Your neck is made up of seven vertebrae, along with muscles, nerves, and discs that support your head and allow movement. The upper three vertebrae are closely connected to the nerves that send signals to your scalp, face, and jaw. If there are any issues in this area, such as injury or inflammation, those nerves can become irritated. That irritation then travels along the nerves’ pathway, which the brain interprets as headache pain.
This means the headache you’re feeling isn’t starting in your head—it’s being referred from your neck. That’s why treating only the head pain often doesn’t solve the problem.
Factors That Contribute to Neck Pain Headaches
- Joint dysfunction in the upper neck from poor posture or trauma
- Tight muscles that compress sensitive nerves
- Reduced mobility or misalignment in the cervical spine
- Nerve compression caused by disc problems or bone changes over time
- Poor posture from desk work or prolonged screen use
- Whiplash or other neck injuries
- Sleep positions that strain the neck
- Arthritis or age-related joint wear
How to Recognize the Signs of Neck-Related Headaches
Neck pain headaches are typically one-sided and can feel like a steady, deep ache. They may worsen with specific neck movements, like turning your head or looking up for long periods. Some people also report pain that radiates to the forehead, behind the eyes, or even into the shoulders.
If you’re not sure whether your headaches are connected to your neck, here are signs to watch for:
- Pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the head or behind the eyes
- Headaches that get worse with neck movement
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the neck
- Tenderness in the upper neck or at the base of the skull
How Physiotherapy Helps Relieve Neck Pain and Headaches
Physiotherapy offers a safe and effective way to manage neck pain headaches (opens in a new tab) by treating the root causes. A licensed physiotherapist will assess your posture, muscle strength, and neck mobility to create a personalized treatment plan. Therapy may include:
- Manual therapy to gently mobilize stiff joints and relax tight muscles
- Postural training to help you maintain a healthy neck position throughout the day
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce tension and support the neck
- Education on ergonomics and self-care to minimize future strain
Physiotherapy doesn’t just reduce pain—it helps improve how your body moves, so headaches are less likely to return.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Dealing with constant headaches can drain your energy, affect your mood, and make everyday tasks feel harder than they should. Fortunately, the team at Ability Physiotherapy & Wellness can work with you to find a way to manage (or, in some cases, resolve) your neck-related headaches.
Contact our Calgary, AB clinic today to get started.
