Headaches Starting in Your Neck? Causes & Treatment in Brookfield, WI
Do your headaches start in your neck or at the base of your skull? Learn about cervicogenic headaches, common causes, and treatment options at Resolve Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI.
Dr. Jeff Verenski
11/3/20269 min read
Headaches Starting in Your Neck? Could They Be Cervicogenic Headaches?
Do you frequently experience headaches that seem to start at the base of your skull, travel up the back of your head, or extend toward your forehead or behind your eyes?
If so, your neck could be contributing to your headaches.
Many people associate headaches with stress, dehydration, poor sleep, or migraines. However, certain headaches actually originate from structures in the cervical spine, including the joints, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues.
These headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches can cause recurring discomfort, neck stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday activities. They may become particularly noticeable after prolonged sitting, working at a computer, or certain neck movements.
If you're experiencing recurring headaches accompanied by neck pain in Brookfield, WI, understanding the potential connection between your neck and headaches is an important first step.
At Resolve Chiropractic, we take an individualized approach to evaluating musculoskeletal conditions, including neck-related headaches. Our goal is to identify contributing factors and determine which conservative treatment options may be appropriate.
In this article, we'll explain what cervicogenic headaches are, how to recognize common symptoms, how they differ from migraines and tension headaches, and what treatment options may help.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache, meaning the pain is caused by an underlying condition rather than originating as a primary headache disorder.
In this case, the source of the headache is associated with structures in the cervical spine, or neck.
These structures may include:
Upper cervical joints.
Cervical discs.
Muscles surrounding the neck.
Ligaments and other connective tissues.
Structures involving the upper cervical nerve pathways.
The upper portion of the cervical spine is particularly important because sensory pathways from the upper neck and head communicate through overlapping neurological pathways.
This relationship helps explain why irritation involving certain cervical structures can produce pain that is felt in the head rather than exclusively in the neck.
Unlike some other headache conditions, cervicogenic headaches are often associated with restricted neck movement or symptoms that worsen with particular head and neck positions.
However, having neck pain and headaches at the same time does not automatically mean you have a cervicogenic headache. A proper evaluation is necessary to distinguish between different headache types.
7 Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches can present differently depending on the individual and the underlying source of the problem.
Common symptoms include:
1. Pain Starting at the Base of the Skull
One of the most recognizable patterns is discomfort that begins near the base of the skull and travels upward.
Some people describe the sensation as pressure, aching, or a deep, persistent headache.
2. Headaches on One Side of the Head
Cervicogenic headaches frequently affect one side of the head.
Pain may begin near the upper neck and travel toward the temple, forehead, or area behind the eye.
Although one-sided pain is common, it is not exclusive to cervicogenic headaches.
3. Neck Stiffness or Reduced Mobility
Some individuals experience difficulty turning their head or looking upward.
The headache may become more noticeable when performing certain neck movements.
4. Headaches Triggered by Neck Movement
Certain positions or movements may reproduce or worsen the headache.
Examples include:
Turning the head to one side.
Looking upward.
Prolonged downward head positioning.
Maintaining a sustained sitting posture.
This relationship between neck movement and headache symptoms can be an important finding during an examination.
5. Tenderness Around the Neck and Upper Shoulders
Muscular tenderness around the suboccipital region, upper trapezius, and cervical musculature may accompany cervicogenic headaches.
Some people notice that applying pressure to certain areas of the neck reproduces their familiar headache symptoms.
6. Pain That Travels Toward the Forehead or Eye
Although the source may be in the neck, the discomfort can travel toward the front of the head.
This is an example of referred pain, where discomfort originating in one region is perceived in another.
7. Recurring Headaches Associated With Neck Discomfort
Some people experience headaches that repeatedly occur alongside neck stiffness or soreness.
They may notice a relationship between headache frequency and activities involving prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, or sustained neck positioning.
These symptoms can suggest a cervical contribution, but they do not independently establish a diagnosis.
What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?
Several factors may contribute to headaches originating from the cervical spine.
Upper Cervical Joint Dysfunction
The upper cervical spine contains joints that allow the head to rotate, tilt, and extend.
Irritation or dysfunction involving these structures may contribute to pain that radiates toward the head.
The relationship between the upper cervical spine and the nervous system helps explain why certain neck conditions can produce headache symptoms.
Muscle Tension and Irritation
Muscles surrounding the upper cervical spine help support and control head movement.
These include:
Suboccipital muscles.
Upper trapezius.
Sternocleidomastoid.
Splenius capitis.
Splenius cervicis.
Levator scapulae.
Muscular tenderness and impaired function may contribute to neck-related headaches.
However, muscular tenderness alone does not establish that a headache is cervicogenic.
Prolonged Sitting and Computer Work
Spending extended periods at a computer can increase the amount of time your neck and upper back remain in relatively fixed positions.
Some people notice that their headaches become more frequent after long workdays or extended periods of sitting.
Taking movement breaks, changing positions, and maintaining adequate neck mobility may help reduce discomfort.
Previous Neck Injuries
Previous injuries, including whiplash from automobile accidents, may contribute to persistent neck pain and associated headaches.
Symptoms may develop immediately after an injury or become more noticeable over time.
Anyone experiencing a new or worsening headache following head or neck trauma should receive appropriate medical evaluation.
Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migraine vs. Tension Headache
Not all headaches associated with neck pain are cervicogenic.
Migraines and tension-type headaches can also involve neck discomfort, making it important to distinguish between these conditions.
Cervicogenic headaches: Usually involve referred pain originating from cervical structures. Restricted neck movement and reproduction of familiar headache symptoms with neck examination may provide important diagnostic clues.
Migraines: Often involve moderate to severe headache pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and sometimes visual or sensory disturbances. Neck pain can also accompany migraines.
Tension-type headaches: Often feel like pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. They may be associated with tenderness in the muscles surrounding the head and neck.
These conditions can overlap, and some individuals experience more than one headache type.
The distinction matters because treatment should be based on the actual headache diagnosis rather than assuming every headache associated with neck discomfort originates from the cervical spine.
Can Poor Posture Cause Headaches?
Posture is frequently discussed when people experience neck pain and headaches.
For example, prolonged computer use, looking down at a phone, or maintaining a fixed position throughout the workday may contribute to neck discomfort.
However, posture alone does not explain every case of neck-related headaches.
More important considerations include:
How long you remain in one position.
Your ability to comfortably move your neck.
Cervical muscle endurance.
Previous neck injuries.
Your overall activity level.
Whether specific neck movements reproduce your symptoms.
Rather than trying to maintain a perfect posture all day, focus on regularly changing positions and maintaining comfortable movement.
Small adjustments to your workstation can also help reduce prolonged static positioning.
What Can You Do at Home to Help Neck-Related Headaches?
Several conservative strategies may help manage symptoms associated with neck discomfort.
The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your headaches.
1. Take Regular Movement Breaks
If you spend much of your day sitting, try changing positions regularly.
Brief walking breaks and gentle neck movement can help reduce the amount of time spent in sustained positions.
2. Improve Cervical Mobility
Gentle neck range-of-motion exercises may help maintain comfortable movement.
Depending on your symptoms, these may include:
Comfortable cervical rotation.
Gentle cervical side bending.
Controlled neck flexion and extension.
Gentle shoulder mobility exercises.
Avoid forcing your neck through painful movements.
3. Strengthen the Deep Neck Flexors
The deep neck flexor muscles help stabilize and control the cervical spine.
Exercises such as gentle chin nods or cervical flexor endurance training may be appropriate for some individuals.
These exercises should be performed with proper technique and adjusted to your tolerance.
4. Improve Upper Back and Shoulder Mobility
The upper back and shoulder girdle work together with the cervical spine.
Thoracic mobility exercises and appropriate strengthening of the surrounding muscles may help improve overall movement capacity.
5. Pay Attention to Sleep Position
Sleeping positions that consistently aggravate your neck may contribute to morning discomfort.
Consider a pillow that supports your head and neck in a comfortable, neutral position.
There is no single ideal pillow for everyone. Comfort and the ability to maintain a relaxed position are important considerations.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
Chiropractic care may be an appropriate conservative treatment option for certain individuals experiencing cervicogenic headaches.
Research suggests that selected manual therapy approaches and therapeutic exercises may help reduce headache frequency or intensity in some patients.
The 2026 clinical practice guideline on chiropractic management of cervicogenic and tension-type headaches discusses the role of spinal manipulation, exercise, and other nonpharmacological approaches in appropriately selected patients.
Treatment should always begin with an appropriate evaluation to determine whether the headache pattern is consistent with a cervical source and whether chiropractic care is suitable.
At Resolve Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI, we take an individualized approach to evaluating neck pain and associated headaches.
Cervical Spine Examination
An examination may include:
Cervical range-of-motion testing.
Assessment of upper cervical mobility.
Evaluation of cervical muscle tenderness.
Neurological screening when indicated.
Assessment of posture and functional movement.
Orthopedic testing when appropriate.
The goal is to identify findings that may help explain the relationship between your neck symptoms and headaches.
It is also important to recognize when symptoms suggest another headache condition or require referral for additional medical evaluation.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Joint Mobilization
For appropriately screened patients with cervicogenic headaches, cervical or thoracic spinal manipulation and joint mobilization may be considered.
These techniques are intended to address selected musculoskeletal findings and improve comfortable movement.
Not every patient is a candidate for cervical manipulation. Treatment techniques should be selected based on the patient's medical history, examination findings, risk factors, and preferences.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue techniques may be used to address muscular tenderness and sensitivity involving the upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles, and surrounding cervical musculature.
This may help improve comfort and support participation in movement-based rehabilitation.
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercise is an important part of managing many conditions associated with neck pain and cervicogenic headaches.
Depending on the examination findings, an individualized program may include:
Deep neck flexor exercises.
Cervical stabilization exercises.
Scapular strengthening.
Thoracic mobility exercises.
Cervical muscle endurance training.
The goal is to improve strength, endurance, and tolerance for everyday activities.
An Individualized Approach to Treatment
At Resolve Chiropractic, we don't believe every patient needs the same treatment plan.
Some patients may benefit from a combination of manual therapy, soft tissue treatment, and therapeutic exercise. Others may require a different approach or referral to another healthcare professional.
Our appointments are approximately 45 minutes, allowing time to evaluate your condition and provide individualized care.
We also operate on a straightforward pay-per-visit model without memberships, prepaid treatment packages, or pressure to commit to unnecessary care.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Headache?
Although many headaches are related to non-emergency conditions, some symptoms require immediate medical evaluation.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or minutes.
A headache accompanied by new weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, confusion, or loss of coordination.
A severe headache with fever and neck stiffness.
A headache following significant head trauma.
A new severe headache accompanied by vision loss or other major neurological symptoms.
New or progressively worsening headaches, particularly after age 50, during pregnancy or postpartum, or when accompanied by unexplained systemic symptoms, also warrant prompt medical evaluation.
An important consideration: Sudden, unusual head or neck pain, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness, or other neurological symptoms, can occasionally indicate a cervical artery problem such as an arterial dissection. These symptoms should never be treated as routine neck tension or managed with cervical manipulation.
A healthcare professional should evaluate recurring headaches before assuming they are cervicogenic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervicogenic Headaches
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Headaches that begin near the base of the skull, occur alongside neck pain, and become worse with certain neck movements may suggest a cervical contribution. However, these symptoms can overlap with migraines and tension-type headaches. A clinical evaluation is necessary to determine the likely source.
Can a chiropractor help headaches that start in the neck?
Chiropractic care may help some individuals with cervicogenic headaches. Depending on the examination findings, treatment may include appropriate spinal manipulation or mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and targeted exercises.
Why do I get headaches at the base of my skull?
Pain at the base of the skull can be associated with cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, tension-type headaches, migraines, and other conditions. The location of the pain alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis.
Can sitting at a computer cause neck-related headaches?
Prolonged computer use may contribute to neck discomfort and muscular fatigue. For some individuals, sustained positioning can aggravate existing neck-related symptoms. Regular movement breaks and appropriate workstation adjustments may help.
Are cervicogenic headaches permanent?
Not necessarily. Many people improve with appropriate management of the underlying cervical condition. Recovery depends on the cause, duration, severity, and individual factors.
What is the difference between an occipital headache and a cervicogenic headache?
An occipital headache describes pain in the back of the head, whereas a cervicogenic headache describes pain referred from a cervical spine disorder. Occipital neuralgia is another distinct condition involving irritation of the occipital nerves. These conditions can produce overlapping symptoms but require different diagnostic considerations.
Looking for Help With Neck-Related Headaches in Brookfield, WI?
Recurring headaches can interfere with your ability to work, exercise, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities.
If your headaches frequently occur alongside neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, it may be worth evaluating whether your cervical spine is contributing to your symptoms.
At Resolve Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Verenski provides individualized, evidence-informed chiropractic care for patients in Brookfield and surrounding communities.
Our approach focuses on understanding your symptoms, evaluating contributing factors, and selecting appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
We believe patients deserve individualized attention, honest recommendations, and care without unnecessary treatment commitments.
If you're looking for a chiropractor in Brookfield, WI, who takes the time to understand your condition, we'd be happy to help.
Individual results vary. Chiropractic care is not a substitute for appropriate medical evaluation when indicated.