Why Do I Have a Headache and Neck Pain at the Same Time?

Headaches and neck pain often occur together because the structures in your neck are directly connected to the nerves and muscles that cause headaches. In many cases, the neck is not just a secondary complaint, but the actual source of the headache. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about this combination of complaints, from cause to treatment.

What is the connection between your neck and headaches?

The neck and head are anatomically so closely connected that pain in one region almost always affects the other. The upper three vertebrae of the cervical spine share nerve pathways with the nerves that control the head, skull, and face. When pressure or irritation develops in these vertebrae, that pain can radiate to the head.

In addition, large muscle groups run from the neck to the base of the skull and the temples. Muscle tension in the neck literally pulls on the connective tissue membranes surrounding the skull, leading to a dull or pressing sensation in the head. The combination of nerve irritation and muscle tension makes the neck one of the most common, yet most underestimated, sources of headaches.

What is cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headache is headache that originates in the cervical spine, the neck vertebrae, or the surrounding structures. The word “cervicogenic” literally means “originating from the neck.” The pain starts in the neck but radiates to the head, making it feel as though you simply have a headache.

What distinguishes cervicogenic headache from other forms of headache is that the pain is almost always on one side and worsens with certain neck movements or positions. Pressure on specific points in the neck triggers or intensifies the headache. People often describe the pain as a dull pressure that starts at the back of the head and spreads to the temple, the eye, or the forehead.

Cervicogenic headache is regularly confused with migraine or tension headache because the symptoms overlap. The difference lies in the cause: with cervicogenic headache, the problem is in the structure of the neck, not in the blood vessels or the brain itself.

What are common causes of headache and neck pain together?

Headache and neck pain occur together when there is persistent pressure, irritation, or dysfunction in the cervical spine or the surrounding muscles and joints. The most common causes are:

• Prolonged screen use or office work: A head tilted forward greatly increases the load on the neck vertebrae. This leads to muscle tension and joint irritation that radiate to the head.
• Stress: Mental and emotional tension translates physically into increased muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. This is a direct trigger for both neck pain and headaches.
• Poor sleeping position: The wrong pillow or a poor sleeping position places strain on the neck vertebrae for hours, leading to stiffness and pain upon waking that can develop into a headache throughout the day.
• Blocked vertebrae: When a vertebra in the cervical spine loses its normal range of motion, pressure builds on the surrounding nerves and structures. This is a common structural cause of combined complaints.
• Whiplash or old injury: A previous injury to the neck, even one that occurred long ago, can leave behind scar tissue and joint dysfunction that still cause complaints years later.
• Overexertion from sport or physical work: Repeated loading of the neck muscles without sufficient recovery leads to chronic muscle tension and joint irritation.

How do you know if your neck is the cause of your headache?

Your neck is likely the cause of your headache if the pain starts or worsens with neck movements, if your neck feels stiff or tender at the back, and if the headache is typically on one side and starts at the base of the skull. These are the most reliable signs that the complaint is cervicogenic in nature.

Other indicators pointing to the neck as the source:

• The headache occurs after prolonged sitting, driving, or screen work
• You feel painful or stiff points in the neck or shoulder muscles
• The headache temporarily eases after stretching or massaging the neck
• You also experience tingling or radiating pain toward the shoulder or arm
• The pain does not respond well to ordinary painkillers

If you are unsure, it is wise to consult a professional who can assess the range of motion of your neck vertebrae. That provides much more clarity than guessing at the cause yourself.

When should you see a chiropractor for headache and neck pain?

You can see a chiropractor for headache and neck pain as soon as the complaints persist for more than a few days, recur regularly, or limit your daily functioning. You do not need a referral from a general practitioner to visit a chiropractor.

Specific situations in which a chiropractor is a good choice:

• You have already tried painkillers but the complaint keeps returning
• Your headache is clearly associated with neck complaints or poor posture
• Your neck feels blocked or restricted in movement
• You recognise your complaints in the description of cervicogenic headache
• You want to address the cause rather than simply suppressing the pain

Please note: for a headache that is sudden and extremely severe, accompanied by fever, confusion, or neurological deficits such as speech problems or loss of strength, always seek emergency medical care first. These are signs that may indicate a different, more serious cause.

How does a chiropractor treat headache and neck pain?

A chiropractor treats headache and neck pain by addressing the cause in the spine. This begins with a thorough analysis of the range of motion of the neck vertebrae, posture, and muscle balance. Based on this, a treatment plan is drawn up aimed at restoring the normal function of the cervical spine.

Chiropractic adjustments

The most commonly applied technique is a targeted adjustment of blocked or misaligned vertebrae. This restores the mobility of the joint, reduces pressure on surrounding nerves, and gives the muscles the opportunity to relax. Many people experience relief from both neck and headache complaints after the very first treatment.

Spinal decompression

For complaints in which pressure in the intervertebral discs plays a role, spinal decompression can be used. This is a technique in which the spine is gently stretched along the vertical axis, reducing pressure in the discs and giving the nerves more space. This can noticeably relieve tension headaches and migraines associated with pressure in the cervical spine.

How Ruggensteun helps with headaches and neck pain

At our practice, we treat headache and neck pain by placing the structural cause at the centre, not the symptom. We are one of the few chiropractors in the Netherlands with a certified qualification for the Y-Strap treatment, a spinal decompression technique specifically aimed at relieving pressure in the cervical spine. This makes us particularly well suited to people with cervicogenic headache, tension headache, and migraines associated with neck complaints.

What we offer:

• Thorough analysis of the cause of your headache and neck pain, without a referral from your general practitioner
• Certified Y-Strap treatments for spinal decompression in cervical complaints
• Chiropractic adjustments aimed at restoring the range of motion of the neck vertebrae
• Holistic guidance in which we also incorporate posture, stress, and lifestyle into the treatment
• Quick availability for acute complaints, with free parking at both locations in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard

Would you like to know whether your headache and neck pain can be treated? make an appointment and come in for an initial assessment. Do you have a question first? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you.