Neck Pain and Headaches: Causes, Treatment & Why Neck Pain Keeps Coming Back
Updated: Sep 28
Neck pain is incredibly common and can affect everything from your ability to work comfortably to getting a good night's sleep. For some people it's a constant ache or stiffness, while for others it can trigger headaches that make concentrating or enjoying everyday life difficult. This information is general and not a substitute for individual assessment.
If you're experiencing neck pain or headaches and live in South Queensferry, Dalmeny, Kirkliston or Winchburgh, you're certainly not alone. These are some of the most common reasons people come to see me.
The good news is that many cases of neck pain and headaches improve with the right assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Understanding what's contributing to your symptoms is the first step towards feeling better.
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Sometimes. Certain headaches can originate from structures around the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches.
The joints, muscles and nerves in the upper neck communicate closely with areas involved in processing pain around the head. When these structures are irritated or not moving comfortably, pain can sometimes be felt around the back of the head, temples, forehead or behind the eye.
Headaches that may be influenced by the neck can:
• start around the base of the skull
• occur alongside neck stiffness or reduced movement
• be aggravated by certain neck movements or prolonged positions
• spread towards the forehead, temple or behind the eye
• occur after long periods at a desk or driving
However, not every headache experienced alongside neck pain is coming from the neck. Migraine and other headache types can also involve neck discomfort, which is why it's important to look at the overall pattern rather than simply assuming the neck is responsible.
If you're experiencing a new or unusual headache, or you're unsure what may be contributing to it, an appropriate assessment is important.
Vicky's Tip One of the biggest myths I hear is that headaches are “just something you have to live with.” While not every headache is caused by the neck, understanding whether your neck may be contributing can help you work out the most appropriate way to manage your symptoms.
Is it really just your neck?
The neck doesn't work in isolation.
Your upper back, shoulders, jaw, posture, work environment and even stress levels can all influence how your neck feels.
That's why I don't just look at where it hurts.
During your assessment I'll consider how your neck, upper back and shoulders move together, helping identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Common symptoms
Neck pain and neck-related headaches can present in many different ways.
You may experience:
Neck stiffness
Pain turning your head
Pain looking over your shoulder
Tension across the shoulders
Pain at the base of the skull
Headaches starting in the neck
Pain that can spread towards the forehead, temple or behind an eye
Aching into the shoulders
Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
Headaches after long periods at a desk
Stiffness after driving
Reduced movement
Some people experience mainly neck pain, while others notice the headaches are the biggest problem.
What causes neck pain?
There isn't one single cause.
Often it's several factors working together.
Some common contributors include:
Prolonged desk work
Looking down at phones or tablets for long periods
Poor sleep positions
Stress and muscle tension
Reduced movement in the neck or upper back
Previous injuries, including whiplash
Muscle weakness
Arthritis and age-related changes
Sports injuries
Poor movement habits
Most neck pain develops gradually rather than after one major injury.
How are neck pain and headaches assessed?
A good assessment involves much more than simply looking at where it hurts.
I'll spend time understanding:
How your symptoms started
Your headache pattern
What makes your symptoms better or worse
Your work and hobbies
Your general health
Previous injuries
I'll then assess:
Neck movement
Upper back mobility
Shoulder movement
Muscle strength
Posture
Functional movements that reproduce your symptoms
This allows us to build a treatment plan that's tailored to your individual needs.
What can you do to help?
Although everyone's symptoms are different, these simple strategies often help.
✔ Avoid staying in one position for too long.
✔ Take regular movement breaks if you work at a desk.
✔ Move your neck gently throughout the day.
✔ Keep physically active where possible.
✔ Ensure your workstation is comfortable.
✔ Manage stress where you can, as it can contribute to muscle tension. If you find it difficult to switch off, you could also try a simple body scan or mindfulness practice.
✔ Prioritise good sleep habits.
Small changes throughout the day are often more effective than one long stretching session.
How may chiropractic care help?
Every treatment starts with understanding what's driving your symptoms.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustments where appropriate
Gentle mobilisation
SOT techniques
Soft tissue therapy
Rehabilitation exercises
Advice on changing positions regularly, improving movement habits and adapting activities where needed
Strength and mobility exercises
Practical advice to help prevent symptoms returning
My aim isn't simply to reduce pain for a short period. I want to help you understand what's contributing to your symptoms and give you the confidence to manage your neck well in the future.
When should I get neck pain or headaches assessed?
It may be worth getting your symptoms assessed if your neck pain or headaches have persisted for several weeks, keep returning or are beginning to affect your sleep, work, exercise or day-to-day activities.You may also want to seek advice if you're experiencing persistent pain, numbness or tingling into your arm, or you're simply unsure what may be contributing to your symptoms.An assessment can help determine what may be contributing and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice
Most neck pain and headaches are not caused by anything serious. However, there are some symptoms that should be assessed promptly.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
A sudden, extremely severe headache, particularly if it reaches maximum intensity very quickly
A new headache with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting or significant problems with balance
A new headache with loss of vision, double vision or other significant visual changes
Severe headache with fever, marked neck stiffness, rash or feeling very unwell
New or severe neck pain following significant trauma
Neck pain with new or worsening weakness, numbness or loss of coordination in an arm or leg
A new or significantly different headache that is persistent or progressively worsening
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are appropriate for chiropractic assessment, please get in touch. If your symptoms suggest that another healthcare professional or further investigation would be more appropriate, I’ll explain this and refer or signpost you accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Sometimes. Certain headaches can originate from the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches. However, other types of headache, including migraine, can also involve neck discomfort, so neck pain alongside a headache doesn't necessarily mean the neck is the cause.
Why do I wake up with neck pain?
Your sleeping position, pillow, muscle tension or reduced neck movement can all play a role. If you're regularly waking with neck stiffness or struggling to get comfortable, I've put together a practical guide to choosing the right pillow and mattress, including pillow height, sleeping positions and whether you really need an orthopaedic pillow.
Should I keep exercising?
In most cases, yes. Remaining active is usually beneficial, although you may need to modify certain activities while your symptoms settle.
Does posture cause neck pain?
Many people worry they have "bad posture", but there isn't one perfect posture that everyone should aim for.
What matters more is how long you stay in the same position. Whether you're sitting at a desk, driving or looking at your phone, remaining still for prolonged periods can increase stiffness and muscle tension.
Regular movement throughout the day is often far more important than trying to sit or stand perfectly.
Will I need exercises?
In most cases, yes. Hands-on treatment can help reduce pain and improve movement, but exercises help improve strength, confidence and long-term outcomes.
Ready to take the next step?
Neck pain and headaches don't have to become something you simply put up with.
Whether your symptoms have developed gradually, started after an injury or keep coming back, I'd be happy to help you understand what's contributing to them and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
I regularly help people with neck pain and headaches from South Queensferry, Dalmeny, Kirkliston, Winchburgh and the surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether chiropractic care is right for you, you're welcome to book an appointment or arrange a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your symptoms.
About the author
Vicky Pittman, MChiro – Chiropractor
Vicky is a GCC-registered chiropractor and owner of Queensferry Chiropractic, with over 15 years of clinical experience. She qualified as a chiropractor in 2011 after previously completing a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy.
She works with patients from South Queensferry, Dalmeny, Kirkliston, Winchburgh, North Queensferry and the surrounding areas, helping people manage musculoskeletal pain, recover from injury and stay active.
Vicky has a particular interest in sports and exercise rehabilitation, pregnancy and postpartum care, and supporting women through midlife and menopause.
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