Could your headache be coming from your neck?
Some headaches can arise from structures in the neck. These are often referred to as cervicogenic headaches.
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Pain may begin around the base of the skull and spread towards the side or front of the head, sometimes reaching the area around the eye. It is often felt more on one side and may occur alongside neck stiffness or reduced movement. Certain neck movements or sustained positions can sometimes bring the headache on or make it worse.
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However, these features are not unique to cervicogenic headache. Migraine and tension-type headache can also involve neck pain or stiffness, so having a headache and a sore neck does not necessarily mean that one is causing the other.
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There is no single symptom or examination finding that confirms a headache is coming from the neck. The overall pattern and clinical assessment are important.
Understanding what may be contributing to your headaches.
Headaches and neck symptoms often overlap, which is why looking at the whole picture matters.
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We ask about where your headache is located, how it starts, how often it occurs and what seems to aggravate or ease it. We also consider symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbance and any recent change in the pattern of your headaches.
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Your neck is then assessed for movement, stiffness and whether particular movements or positions reproduce your familiar symptoms. Together, these findings help us judge whether the neck is likely to be contributing and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Knowing when something needs more attention.
Some headache patterns are better assessed medically rather than treated as a neck problem.
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If anything in your history or examination suggests that your headache may have another cause or needs further investigation, we will explain our concerns and recommend the appropriate next step, which may include assessment by your GP or another healthcare professional.
How we can help with neck-related headaches.
When your assessment suggests that the neck is contributing to your headaches, care can be adapted to your symptoms, examination findings and what you are comfortable with.
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Treatment may include hands-on chiropractic care, movement or exercise and practical advice aimed at improving neck function and helping you manage factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Careful assessment
We look at your headache pattern, neck movement and relevant examination findings to judge whether the neck is likely to be contributing.
Hands-on care
Where appropriate, hands-on treatment can be used alongside other care to help improve neck movement and manage neck-related symptoms.
Movement & exercise
Exercises may be used to improve movement, strength and control, particularly when neck symptoms or headaches keep returning.
The right next step
Guidance on suitable care, including further medical assessment or referral when another approach is needed.