Dr. Clive Clutton
What is usually going on
The muscles and joints of the neck can refer pain into the base of the skull, the temple and behind the eye. Headaches that arise this way are sometimes called cervicogenic headaches.2
Not every headache comes from the neck. A good assessment separates the ones that do from the ones that do not, and I will refer you on if something else looks more likely.
What I see in lifters and active people
Long stretches in one position at a desk or on a phone, bracing hard on heavy squats and presses, sleeping awkwardly, or a new block of training. Often several of these overlap.
How treatment works here
- 1Assess. I examine your neck, upper back and shoulder blades, and watch how you brace and breathe under load.
- 2Release. Soft-tissue treatment to the neck, upper back and shoulder girdle where it helps.
- 3Activate. Gentle control work for the deep neck muscles and shoulder blades.
- 4Rebuild. Strength training for the neck and upper back, and a plan for breaking up long sitting.
What you can do this week
- Change position regularly and take short walks during long desk days.
- Move your neck gently within a comfortable range.
- Warmth, such as a warm shower, often eases stiffness.
- Lower overhead and heavy bracing work if they provoke the pain, rather than stopping all training.
Call 911 straight away for a sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had, face drooping, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side, sudden vision changes or trouble walking. Get urgent care for neck pain after significant trauma, fever with a stiff neck, or arm weakness that is getting worse.
Common questions
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes, some headaches start in the neck. Many do not. I will assess which type you have and refer you if the picture does not fit.
Do you crack the neck?
Most of my neck treatment is soft-tissue work and gentle movement. I screen you first and explain any technique before I use it.
How long will it take?
Recovery time varies a lot from person to person, and some neck pain lingers or returns. We review progress at each visit and adjust the plan.
Sources
- Bussières AE, et al. The treatment of neck pain-associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016;39(8):523-564. Clinical practice guideline. Link
- Bryans R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011;34(5):274-289. Clinical practice guideline. Link
This page is general education. It does not replace advice from a clinician who has examined you.