Neck pain from a variety of causes can trigger headaches, and the connection between these two types of pain is more common than you might think. These types of headaches, often referred to as “cervicogenic headaches,” can stem from issues in the neck’s muscles, joints, or nerves. Alternatively, tension headaches caused by stress or posture can also radiate pain into the neck and worsen the cycle of discomfort.
Fortunately, many types of headaches, especially cervicogenic ones, can be treated quickly and effectively with the help of a physical therapist, or even through adjusting your habits at home.
What are cervicogenic headaches?
By definition, cervicogenic headaches are headaches that begin with misalignment, muscle tension, or pain in the neck that propagates to the head. They differ from other commonly experienced headaches, such as:
- Tension headaches: Often linked to stress, tension headaches cause a band-like pain around the forehead and can involve neck discomfort.
- Migraine: Although migraine is a standalone disorder, it can sometimes include neck pain as a contributing factor.
- Cluster headaches: These are typically characterized by intense, short-lived pain around one eye and are rarely associated with neck issues.
Pain from a cervicogenic headache usually feels dull and achy, and tends to affect one side of the head. It often worsens with neck movement or holding specific positions.
Causes and risk factors for headache and neck pain
While it may feel like the pain of a cervicogenic headache is concentrated in your head, the source is often your cervical spine (the upper part of your spine) or the soft tissues in your neck. This pain can occur due to poor posture, muscule strain, or even underlying conditions like arthritis.
Common causes for the start of neck pain and headaches include:
- Muscle tension or poor posture: Spending long hours hunched over a desk, workstation, or laptop can strain the muscles in your neck, leading to pain and headaches. Some people tend to carry tension in their shoulders and neck that can contribute to headaches.
- Cervical disc issues or arthritis: Conditions like herniated cervical discs or cervical osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis in the neck) can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates to the head.
- Whiplash or injuries: Trauma to the neck, such as whiplash from a car accident, can lead to chronic headaches and neck pain if not treated properly.
- Stress and emotional tension: Chronic stress can lead to tension in the neck and shoulders, which can spread to become headaches.
- Repetitive motion or overuse: Jobs or hobbies requiring repetitive neck movements, such as assembly line work or awkward sleeping positions, can increase your risk of developing neck-related headaches.
Risk factors
Some individuals are more prone to developing cervicogenic headaches and neck pain:
- Age – Natural wear and tear on neck vertebrae from aging can contribute to cervical spine issues.
- Occupation – Jobs requiring prolonged sitting, standing, or repetitive neck movements can be particularly injury-prone and tension-causing.
- Lack of physical activity – Weak neck and shoulder muscles may struggle to support everyday postural demands, leading to strain and headaches.
Treating neck pain and head pain
Cervicogenic headaches are often treatable when you know the underlying cause of the neck issue that’s causing them. From simple at-home remedies to professional interventions, here are a few ideas as to how you can help alleviate your discomfort.
At-home care
- Posture adjustments: Maintaining good posture throughout your daily activities can make all the difference. Ensure your computer screen is at eye level, keep your phone raised to avoid hunching, and use an ergonomic chair for support.
- Stretching and exercises: Gently stretching the neck muscles can relieve tension. Try chin tucks, side neck stretches, or yoga poses such as “child’s pose” to ease stiffness.
- Ice or heat therapy: Applying ice packs can reduce inflammation, while heat relaxes tight muscles. Alternate between the two for optimal results.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can offer temporary relief. Always consult a healthcare professional before prolonged use.
- Stress management: Mindfulness practices, meditation, or even a 10-minute daily walk can help reduce tension that aggravates neck and headache pain.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended for those struggling with cervicogenic headaches because it does not rely on medication to find effective relief from injury, tension, and repetitive stress.
A few techniques that a physical therapist might recommend for cervicogenic pain might include:
- Manual therapy
- Arthritis treatments, if applicable
- Postural assessment and training
- Neck strengthening and mobility exercises
- Injury prevention plan for high-risk individuals
Start finding headache and neck pain relief today
If you’re dealing with constant neck pain and headaches that disrupt your day, there’s hope. At Alves and Martinez Physical Therapy, we specialize in creating personalized treatment plans to target the root causes of your discomfort. Whether it’s injury rehab, stress relief, or pain management, our experts are here to help you feel better and regain control of your life.
Start a conversation with our team by calling one of our clinics or by requesting your first appointment online today.
