Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches? Understanding the Connection

June 4, 2026

If you’ve ever experienced neck pain and headaches at the same time, you may have wondered whether the two are related.

The answer is yes. In many cases, problems within the neck can contribute to headaches. In fact, neck dysfunction is one of the most overlooked causes of recurring headaches, especially for people who spend long hours sitting, working at a computer, driving, or looking down at a smartphone.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we frequently work with individuals throughout Spokane Valley who have been struggling with headaches for months—or even years—without realizing that their neck may be playing a significant role in their symptoms.

How Can Neck Problems Cause Headaches?

The muscles, joints, and nerves in the upper portion of the neck share connections with the nerves that transmit pain signals to the head. When these structures become irritated or dysfunctional, pain can be referred into various areas of the head, including:

• The base of the skull
• Behind the eyes
• The temples
• The forehead
• The top of the head

This means that even though the source of the problem is located in the neck, the pain may be felt primarily as a headache.

Several neck-related issues can contribute to headaches, including:

• Poor posture
• Muscle tension
• Joint stiffness
• Whiplash injuries
• Repetitive strain from computer work
• Previous neck injuries
• Degenerative changes within the cervical spine

When these problems are left untreated, headaches may become more frequent and more difficult to manage.

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

One of the most common types of neck-related headaches is called a cervicogenic headache.

A cervicogenic headache originates from structures within the neck rather than from the head itself. The pain is often caused by dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, muscles, joints, or surrounding tissues.

People with cervicogenic headaches frequently experience both neck pain and headaches simultaneously.

In an upcoming article, we’ll take a deeper dive into cervicogenic headaches, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Common Signs Your Headaches May Be Coming From Your Neck

While not every headache originates from the neck, there are several signs that may indicate a neck-related cause.

Common symptoms include:

• Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
• Neck stiffness or restricted movement
• Pain that worsens when turning or moving the neck
• Headaches after prolonged computer work
• Headaches associated with poor posture
• Pain on one side of the head
• Headaches accompanied by neck tightness or muscle tension

If several of these symptoms sound familiar, your neck may be contributing to your headaches.

Are You Tired of Living With Neck Pain and Headaches?

If you’re unsure whether your headaches may be related to your neck, our team can help identify the underlying cause.

Learn more about our Neck Pain & Headaches Treatment Program and discover how we can help you find lasting relief: click here to learn more!

Other Conditions That Can Contribute to Neck Pain and Headaches

Poor Posture and Tech Neck

Modern lifestyles often require people to spend hours looking at screens. Over time, this forward-head posture places increased stress on the muscles and joints of the neck.

This condition, often called “Tech Neck,” can contribute to chronic neck pain, muscle tension, and recurring headaches.

Stress and Muscle Tension

Emotional stress frequently causes people to tighten the muscles of their neck, shoulders, and jaw without realizing it.

This tension can lead to headaches, stiffness, and discomfort that gradually worsen over time.

Whiplash and Concussion Injuries

Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls can cause both whiplash and concussions. These injuries often occur together and may result in symptoms such as:

• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light

Because symptoms may originate from both the neck and the concussion itself, a thorough evaluation is important.

If your symptoms began following an accident or sports injury, click here to learn more about our specialized Concussion & Whiplash Treatment Program!

How Physical Therapy Can Help Neck Pain and Headaches

Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy can be highly effective for treating neck-related headaches.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether your neck may be contributing to your symptoms.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Hands-on manual therapy
• Targeted stretching and mobility exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Postural correction
• Ergonomic recommendations
• Education and self-management strategies

Rather than simply masking symptoms, physical therapy focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of pain.

Also, unlike most physical therapy clinics that only offer exercise programs, our PTs our specially trained in offering hands-on, manual therapy techniques to help you ease muscle tension and improve joint mobility. 

Looking for Long-Term Relief?

Neck pain and headaches often share the same underlying source. Identifying and treating the root cause can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Click here to learn moreabout our Neck Pain & Headaches Treatment Program or request an appointment today by calling or texting us at (509) 892-5442!

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if:

• Your headaches are becoming more frequent
• Neck pain is interfering with daily activities
• Symptoms have persisted for several weeks
• You experience recurring headaches after computer work
• Neck stiffness limits your movement
• You have ongoing symptoms following an accident or injury

The sooner the underlying cause is identified, the sooner an appropriate treatment plan can begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can neck pain really cause headaches?

Yes. Problems involving the muscles, joints, and nerves of the neck can refer pain into the head and contribute to recurring headaches.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Absolutely. Poor posture increases stress on the neck and upper back, which can contribute to muscle tension, joint dysfunction, and headaches.

Can a concussion cause neck pain and headaches?

Yes. Concussions and whiplash injuries frequently occur together and may cause headaches, neck pain, dizziness, balance problems, and difficulty concentrating.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures within the neck rather than from the head itself.

Can physical therapy help headaches?

Many headaches have a musculoskeletal component involving the neck, posture, or surrounding muscles. Physical therapy can help address these contributing factors and may reduce both headache frequency and intensity.

Find Out What’s Really Causing Your Symptoms

If you’ve been dealing with recurring headaches, neck pain, or both, you don’t have to continue guessing about the cause.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we help people throughout Spokane Valley, WA identify the source of their neck pain and headaches, and we develop personalized treatment plans designed to provide lasting relief.

Request an appointment today by calling or texting us at (509) 892-5442!