Chronic headaches can be incredibly disruptive, but many people don’t realize their head pain isn’t actually coming from the head at all. Instead, the true source may be hiding in the neck. Known as cervicogenic headaches, these headaches arise from dysfunction in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles — and they’re far more common than most expect.
Below, we break down why neck-related headaches happen, how to recognize them, and the most effective treatment options available today.
Why the Neck and Spine Can Trigger Headaches
The upper portion of the cervical spine (C1–C3) shares nerve pathways with areas of the head, including the forehead, temples, behind the eyes, and the jaw. When the neck becomes irritated or inflamed, those shared pathways can send pain upward — creating headaches that feel identical to migraines or tension headaches.
Common contributors include:
- Poor posture (especially from screens)
- Arthritis or cervical disc degeneration
- Whiplash or trauma
- Muscle tension or trigger points
- Nerve compression in the upper cervical spine
- Facet joint inflammation
- TMJ dysfunction related to cervical mechanics
Signs Your Headaches Are Actually Coming From the Neck
- Pain that starts in the neck and radiates upward
- Headaches worsened by neck movement or posture
- Pain on one side of the head or face
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Tenderness at the base of the skull
- Headaches after computer work or driving
- Occasional dizziness, shoulder pain, or eye pressure
How Cervicogenic Headaches Are Diagnosed
Because these headaches mimic other types, diagnosis typically includes:
- Assessment of cervical spine movement and alignment
- Evaluation of muscle tension patterns
- Posture and ergonomic review
- Nerve and joint irritation testing
- Imaging such as X-ray or MRI
In some cases, diagnostic nerve blocks help confirm the pain source.
Treatment Options That Really Work
Physical Therapy and Postural Correction
Targeted exercises and movement training help reduce strain on the cervical spine and decrease headache frequency.
Manual Therapy
Myofascial release, soft tissue work, and cervical mobilization relieve muscle-driven headache triggers.
Trigger Point or Botox® Injections
These calm overactive muscles and relieve headache-generating tension.
Cervical Facet Joint or Nerve Injections
Targeted injections help reduce inflammation and confirm the pain generator.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
For persistent cases, RFA provides long-lasting relief by quieting irritated nerves.
Ergonomic and Lifestyle Modifications
Optimizing monitor height, sleep position, and workstation setup often brings significant improvement.
Regenerative Medicine
PRP or prolotherapy may help stabilize the cervical spine and reduce ongoing headaches.
When to Seek Professional Help
If headaches are frequent, worsening, triggered by neck movement, or unresponsive to migraine treatments, a spine-focused evaluation can reveal the underlying cause and guide targeted care.
The Bottom Line
Chronic headaches linked to the neck and spine are real, treatable, and often misdiagnosed. Understanding this connection opens the door to highly targeted care that relieves pain at the source — not just in the head, but throughout the cervical spine.
If you suspect your headaches may be coming from your neck, a comprehensive evaluation may be the key to long-lasting relief.
[gravityform id=1 title=false description=false]
Nutrition That Supports Healing and Pain Recovery
