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Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches? Here’s the Connection
Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches? Here's the Connection
It’s a common complaint in chiropractic clinics: “I’ve got a headache… and my neck feels tight.” But what if those two symptoms are more than just coincidental? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can neck pain cause headaches?”, the answer is yes — and the connection may be stronger than you think.
At Family Life Chiropractic, we regularly help people uncover the link between spinal issues and persistent headaches. In this article, we’ll break down why neck pain and headaches often go hand in hand, and what you can do about it.
Understanding the Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches
So, can neck pain cause headaches? In many cases, absolutely. Here’s how.
Your neck — also called the cervical spine — is made up of vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. When the alignment of your neck is off, whether from poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or spinal misalignment, it can create pressure and tension. This tension often radiates upward, affecting the base of the skull and triggering what’s known as cervicogenic headaches.
Common causes of neck-related headaches:
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Poor posture (especially from long periods at a desk or on a phone)
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Whiplash or previous neck injuries
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Spinal misalignments (subluxations)
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Muscle tightness or trigger points
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Joint dysfunction in the cervical spine
If you’re wondering can neck pain cause headaches that feel like migraines, the answer is yes — cervicogenic headaches can sometimes mimic migraine symptoms, with pain on one side of the head, eye pressure, or even nausea.
How Chiropractors Help: Getting to the Root Cause
Rather than masking the pain with medication, chiropractors focus on the root cause. At Family Life Chiropractic, we assess spinal alignment and function to determine whether neck pain is contributing to your headaches.
We use a combination of:
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Gentle spinal adjustments to improve neck mobility and reduce nerve irritation
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Muscle release techniques to ease tension
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Postural advice and ergonomic tips
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Specific rehab exercises to restore strength and stability
When asking “can neck pain cause headaches?”, we also consider lifestyle factors — like sleep position, stress levels, and screen time — which can all contribute to cervical tension.
Other Types of Headaches Linked to the Neck
While cervicogenic headaches are directly caused by neck dysfunction, tension-type headaches often have a muscular origin in the neck and upper back. Even migraines can be aggravated by neck stiffness or stress.
So, can neck pain cause headaches even if your neck doesn’t hurt all the time? Yes. Chronic tension or subtle misalignments can still refer pain into the head, especially during periods of stress, fatigue, or poor posture. For general information on types of headaches and symptoms, visit Healthdirect Australia — a trusted government health resource.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’re dealing with frequent headaches — especially ones that start at the base of the skull, behind the eyes, or after long hours at the computer — it’s worth investigating your neck. Ask yourself:
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Do my headaches worsen with neck movement?
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Do I wake up with both neck stiffness and a headache?
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Have I had any past neck injuries?
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Do I notice poor posture throughout the day?
If you answered yes, then it’s time to stop wondering “can neck pain cause headaches?” and start exploring solutions.
Book Your Headache Assessment Today
At Family Life Chiropractic, we help patients across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie uncover the causes behind persistent headaches and neck pain. With a personalised, gentle approach, we’ll assess whether spinal misalignments or muscular tension are contributing to your symptoms.
Don’t let another day go by with unanswered pain. If you’re asking “can neck pain cause headaches?”, we’re here to help you find the answer — and the relief.
👉 Book an appointment today and take the first step toward headache-free living.
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