Headaches are one of the most common health complaints and can have many different causes, including stress, vascular conditions, sinus problems, dehydration, medication overuse, and sleep disturbances. In recent years, there has also been growing recognition that the neck may play an important role in some headache conditions, either as a primary source of pain or as a contributing factor.

One common mechanism is referred pain from fixation of the upper cervical joints. The nerves from the upper neck share connections with pain-processing areas that also receive signals from the head and face. As a result, irritation in the upper cervical joints may cause pain that is felt in the temples, forehead, behind the eyes, or at the base of the skull.

Another possible contributor is irritation of the occipital nerves, which travel from the upper neck into the scalp. Compression or irritation of these nerves may lead to pain that radiates from the base of the skull upward into the head. Some patients describe sharp, aching, or burning pain in this region.

Postural and biomechanical stress can also affect the neck and contribute to headaches. Prolonged computer use, forward head posture, repetitive strain, poor ergonomics, and extended time looking down at phones or tablets may increase stress on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles—particularly the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Dysfunction or tension in these tissues may refer pain into the head and contribute to tension-type headaches or feelings of pressure around the scalp or eyes.

Because issues affecting the neck can play a role in several types of headaches, a thorough chiropractic examination may be advised for patients with headaches who don’t respond well to usual care or who are interested in a non-pharmacological option. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to evaluate the cervical spine, muscles, joints, posture, and movement patterns that may contribute to symptoms. Treatment may include spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue therapies, stretching, exercise recommendations, postural guidance, and ergonomic advice. In many cases, care focuses on improving neck mobility, reducing muscular tension, restoring function, and helping patients better manage contributing lifestyle factors.