Tension and Neck-Related Headaches – Causes and Treatment
Tension-type headaches and headaches related to the neck (cervicogenic) are among the most common kinds and are often linked to tension in the neck and shoulders. In many people they can respond to physiotherapy, but it is important to rule out other causes.
What headaches are
Headaches have many different causes. The most common form is the tension-type headache – felt as a dull, tight pain, often “like a band” around the head. A cervicogenic headache starts in the neck, is usually on one side and can be felt at the back of the head, the temple or behind the eye.
With these types there is often tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, stiffness in the upper neck joints and poor posture at work. Stress, lack of sleep and long hours in front of a screen can make them worse. Migraine is a different type of headache with a different mechanism and needs a doctor’s assessment.
In many people whose headaches are linked to the neck and muscle tension, physiotherapy helps reduce how often they come and how strong they are. First, though, it is important for a doctor to rule out other causes, especially if the headache is new or changing.
What contributes
- tense neck, shoulder and scalp-base muscles
- prolonged sitting with the head forward
- stiffness in the upper neck
- emotional stress and lack of sleep
- staring at a screen for long periods
- clenching the teeth and jaw tension
How it feels
- dull, tight pain around the head
- pain starting at the back of the head and moving to the temple or forehead
- stiffness and tenderness in the neck
- pain that is worse with certain neck movements or positions
- tender muscles at the base of the skull and shoulders
- tiredness and difficulty concentrating
How we can help
We start with a detailed assessment of the neck, shoulders and posture to find whether your headache has a musculoskeletal component. We use manual therapy, therapeutic massage, dry needling and therapeutic exercise to relax and stabilise the neck, and where needed laser, TECAR or electrotherapy. If the assessment shows signs that call for a doctor’s opinion, we will refer you to a specialist.
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical care for a sudden, very severe headache – “the worst of your life” – a headache after a blow to the head, or one that comes with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, vision or speech problems, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or fainting. See a doctor also if headaches are new after the age of 50, gradually worsen or change in character.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.