When Neck Pain Triggers Headaches: The Hidden Link

Many people blame stress or dehydration for their headaches — but what if the real cause is in your neck?

When neck muscles tighten or joints become inflamed, pain signals can travel upward, leading to what’s known as a cervicogenic headache.

At Modal Pain, we specialize in identifying whether your headaches originate from your cervical spine — and treating the true source of pain through advanced, non-surgical techniques.

What Happens When Neck Pain Triggers Headaches

The upper cervical spine (C1–C3 vertebrae) contains nerves that share pathways with the head and face.

When these nerves are irritated by muscle tension, joint inflammation, or spinal misalignment, the brain misinterprets the signals as head pain.

This is why a stiff neck, whiplash injury, or poor posture can cause pain that radiates from the base of your skull to behind your eyes.

Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches

You may be dealing with a neck-related headache if you experience:

• Pain that starts in the neck and moves to the temples or forehead
• Stiffness or reduced neck mobility
• Pain on one side of the head or face
• Worsening symptoms after poor posture or screen time
• Shoulder or upper back tightness accompanying the headache

If these symptoms sound familiar, your headache might not be “just stress” — it may be structural.

Common Causes Behind Neck-Triggered Headaches

Neck-related headaches often stem from:

• Muscle Strain & Myofascial Pain: Tense muscles and trigger points radiating pain upward.
• Facet Joint Dysfunction: Inflammation or degeneration of the small joints in your cervical spine.
• Whiplash or Injury: Trauma that disrupts normal joint and muscle alignment.
• Poor Posture (“Tech Neck”): Constant forward head position straining cervical muscles.
• Disc Issues: Herniated or bulging discs putting pressure on upper spinal nerves.
  
  

How Modal Pain Treats Neck-Related Headaches

At Modal Pain, our goal is to find and treat the root cause of your pain — not just dull the symptoms.

Medial Branch Blocks - Used to identify and relieve pain from irritated cervical facet joints.

Trigger Point Injections - Target tight muscle knots that radiate pain from the neck to the head.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - For long-lasting relief when headaches originate from cervical nerve pain.

Botox® for Chronic Migraines - Reduces frequency and severity of headaches — especially those tied to neck tension or nerve irritation.

Each treatment plan is personalized, ensuring patients receive the safest and most effective care possible.

Preventing Neck-Related Headaches

Prevention starts with simple, consistent habits:

• Maintain good posture while sitting or using devices.
• Take frequent breaks from screens.
• Stretch your neck and shoulders regularly.
• Manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness techniques.

If headaches persist despite these changes, it’s time to consult a specialist.

When to See a Specialist

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Persistent headaches with neck stiffness
• Radiating pain behind your eyes or ears
• Numbness, tingling, or dizziness
• Worsening pain with movement or posture

These signs may indicate a cervicogenic origin that requires professional evaluation.

Expert Care for Headaches and Neck Pain in Midtown Manhattan

At Modal Pain, Dr. Alex Movshis, MD, and his team combine interventional pain management with physical therapy and wellness care to address the cervical spine’s role in headaches.

We help you move better, think clearer, and live pain-free — without unnecessary surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Many headaches actually start in the neck.
• Cervical nerves, joints, and muscles can all trigger pain radiating to the head.
• Modal Pain treats the root cause with targeted, non-surgical procedures.
• Early diagnosis = faster, lasting relief.
  
  

Find Relief at Modal Pain

💆 Stop pushing through the pain — start treating the source.
Book your personalized consultation at Modal Pain today.

📞 Call or text us at +1 (646) 290-6660
📧 Email info@modalpain.com
💻 Schedule your consultation today.

Modal Pain — Modern Relief. Expert Care. Pain-Free Living.