Headaches and neck tension

Headaches can have various causes. In some people, the neck is involved when there is stiffness, loss of mobility and a clear link between how it moves and how the pain occurs.

The international classification recognises cervicogenic headache when this clinical pattern is met.

An image showing ‘wear and tear’ provides information, but on its own it does not explain what you are feeling.

• pain associated with neck stiffness
• reduced mobility
• symptoms that change with neck movements
• severe tension in the suboccipital region
• a recurring pattern between the neck and head.

Together, these help to clarify what role your neck might be playing in your case.

If the following also occur:

• bruxism
• tense temporalis muscles
• sensitive temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• pain when chewing

we can also assess the jaw region.

The ICHD-3 itself also recognises headaches attributed to temporomandibular disorders.

See TMJ and bruxism

Depending on what we find, we can work on:

• neck
• suboccipital region
• upper back
• muscles
• fascia
• jaw
• gentle cranial work.

We’ve selected the areas that can provide information and help you move more comfortably.

Reducing tension and restoring mobility when the neck is involved in the condition, whilst monitoring whether the frequency, intensity or pattern of the headaches also changes.

Sometimes the pain travels upwards because tension has been building up lower down for some time.