Neck Pain and Headaches: Why They're Connected

Subject: Your Headache Might Actually Be Coming From Your Neck

When people think about headaches, they usually blame stress, dehydration, allergies, their spouse, or too much screen time.

Very few people think about their neck…but they should.

One of the biggest surprises for many of my patients is learning that certain headaches actually begin in the muscles and joints of the upper neck.

If you've been treating headaches without looking at your neck, you may be missing a big piece of the puzzle.

What the Research Says

Research has shown that many cervicogenic headaches and even some tension headaches are closely linked to restricted neck mobility, muscle tightness, and dysfunction of the upper cervical spine.

If your headache starts near the base of your skull, wraps around toward your forehead, or settles behind one eye, your neck may be playing a much bigger role than you realize.

Treating the source of the problem rather than simply masking symptoms can often lead to longer-lasting relief.

How I Treat It

The first step is determining whether your neck is actually contributing to your headaches.

I'll evaluate your neck mobility, posture, joint function, muscle strength, movement patterns, and daily activities before creating a treatment plan.

Depending on what I find, treatment may include manual therapy, joint manipulations or mobilization, dry needling, mobility exercises, strengthening, posture education, and strategies to reduce unnecessary stress on your neck throughout the day.

Every headache is different, so every treatment plan should be too.

What I Tell My Patients

If your headaches keep coming back, don't just ask what's causing the headache.

Ask what's causing your neck to become irritated in the first place.

My Takeaway

If you've tried medications, heat,/ice, massages, or stretching with only temporary relief, don't overlook your neck.



Sometimes the source of your pain isn't where you actually feel it. Come see me and I will identify the source and treat it appropriately. 

Thanks for reading!

My goal has always been to help people understand why they're hurting...not just temporarily feel better.

Whether you're dealing with this injury, trying to stay active, or simply have questions about what you're experiencing, I hope this gave you a better understanding of your body and your recovery.

If this sounds like something you're dealing with, I'd be happy to help.

Stay healthy, keep moving, and remember take good care of your body, it's the only one you get.

Dr. Michael Price, PT, DPT, OCS

FULL BLOG! NECK PAIN AND HEADACHES: WHY THEY'RE CONNECTED

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