About Headaches from Neck Pain
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches driven by the neck, often paired with stiffness and upper back tension. Physical therapy addresses the mechanical driver with targeted mobility work and strength for the deep neck and shoulder blade muscles. The goal is fewer headaches and better tolerance for screens, driving, and training.
Expected Recovery Window
Acute: 2–6 weeks. Chronic or recurrent: 6–10 weeks. Many improve within 1–3 visits when the driver is mechanical.
Related Symptoms with Headaches from Neck Pain
Common Symptoms
Headache that starts at the base of the skull and wraps to the temple or behind the eye; neck stiffness and reduced rotation; symptoms worse with prolonged screen time or driving; headache triggered by neck movement or pressure; associated shoulder tightness.
Common Causes
Sustained forward head posture; upper cervical joint stiffness or irritation; muscle tension in suboccipitals and upper traps; whiplash history; long hours at a desk; cycling or lifting positions that load the neck.
How We Treat Headaches from Neck Pain
We treat cervicogenic headaches with hands-on cervical and upper thoracic mobility work, plus strengthening for deep neck flexors and scapular stabilisers. We also address desk, sleep, and cycling posture so headaches do not keep returning.