Posted 3.4.2025

Headaches affect approximately 47% of the population, making them one of the most prevalent nervous system disorders. If you experience frequent headaches, you’re well aware of how much they can disrupt your work, social life, daily activities, and overall well-being.

Let’s look at 4 signs that might indicate your headache is coming from your neck:

One of the biggest challenges in headache management is misdiagnosis. The most common types, known as primary headache disorders, include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches. However, headaches can also be secondary, meaning they result from another underlying condition. A common example is a cervicogenic headache, which originates in the neck. These headaches can be highly debilitating and are often mistaken for migraines, but there are distinct signs that set them apart.

1. Headaches worsen with certain neck movements

If certain neck movements or positions make your headaches worse, it could be a sign that they originate from your neck. In some cases, specific motions, like tilting your head forward, backward, or turning it side to side, trigger the pain. Other times, the connection is more subtle and linked to prolonged postures. For instance, I’ve had patients develop headaches after sitting at a bar for hours, repeatedly turning their head to one side to talk to a friend. Pay close attention to whether certain neck positions cause discomfort that either precedes or intensifies your headache, it could indicate that the source of your pain is in your neck.

2. Your neck is stiff

Another clear sign that your headaches may be coming from your neck is restricted mobility or a limited range of motion in your cervical spine. If you have difficulty fully turning your head or experience pain and stiffness when trying to do so, it could indicate an underlying neck issue contributing to your headaches. In our office, we often say, “mobility before stability.” When the joints in your neck aren’t moving properly, the surrounding muscles and nerves can become irritated and inflamed, potentially triggering your headaches.

3. Tenderness in your neck muscles

If you frequently experience sensitivity or tenderness in your neck muscles, it could be a sign of an underlying neck issue. If your headaches tend to flare up when the tension or discomfort in your neck increases, there’s a strong chance they originate from your neck. Neck muscles can become tight and irritated for various reasons, most often due to poor posture or overuse. Because these muscles have direct and complex attachments to the base of your skull, they are a common culprit behind headache pain.

4. Location of your pain

A headache that begins at the base of your skull and stays on one side, often radiating to your temple or behind your eye, is a strong sign that it may be coming from your neck. If you also experience shoulder or arm pain alongside your headache, this further suggests a cervicogenic origin. The nerves in your neck extend into these areas, making it possible for pain to travel beyond your head. If you suffer from chronic headaches, take note of where the pain starts and how it spreads. If it extends beyond your head, there’s a good chance your neck is the source.

Click HERE to Speak with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to schedule a telehealth session!