The Link Between Your Neck Pain and Headaches: A Chiropractor’s Perspective

Neck pain and headaches are often closely connected due to the anatomical and functional relationship between the neck muscles, cervical spine, and the nerves that supply the head. At Hudson Sport & Spine, we regularly see patients whose neck pain and headaches are intertwined, and we understand how disruptive these symptoms can be to your daily life.

One common link is tension-type headaches, which frequently result from muscle strain or tension in the neck and upper back. Whether it’s from long hours at a computer, poor posture, or whiplash injuries, the muscles around the neck and shoulders can become tight or irritated, referring pain upward to the head and causing headaches. Our team specializes in identifying these muscle imbalances and providing targeted therapies to relieve tension and restore function.

Another important connection is a condition known as cervicogenic headache, which originates from problems in the cervical spine, such as arthritis, disc issues, or nerve compression. The pain is often felt at the back of the head and can radiate toward the forehead, temples, or around the eyes. Migraines can also be associated with neck pain, either as a trigger or as a symptom during an attack. Our clinicians are experienced in diagnosing the root cause of your headaches and neck pain, ensuring you receive a comprehensive treatment plan.

At Hudson Sport & Spine, we offer a variety of effective, evidence based treatments, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, posture correction, and ergonomic advice. By addressing the underlying issues in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, we help reduce both neck pain and associated headaches. If your headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms, our medical professionals are here to provide a thorough evaluation and rule out more serious underlying causes.

Among the most common are cervicogenic headaches. These headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine—which includes the bones, discs, muscles, and nerves in the neck region. Patients often report that the pain starts in the neck and radiates to the back of the head, temples, or even around the eyes. Unlike migraines or tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches are triggered specifically by structural or functional disturbances in the neck.

Tension-type headaches are another common complaint we treat at Hudson Sport & Spine. These headaches typically cause a dull, aching pain and a sense of tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. Frequently, muscle tension and stiffness in the neck and upper shoulders contribute to or worsen these headaches. Our team specializes in identifying and treating the musculoskeletal causes behind this discomfort.

A less common but significant headache we encounter is occipital neuralgia. This condition occurs when the occipital nerves—running from the top of the spinal cord at the base of the neck up through the scalp—become irritated or inflamed. Patients may experience sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain in the upper neck, the back of the head, or behind the ears.

Our multidisciplinary team is skilled in diagnosing and managing these headache types. We use a combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and advanced pain management techniques to address the underlying neck dysfunction or irritation that leads to headache pain. By focusing on the root cause, we aim to provide lasting relief and help our patients return to their active lifestyles.

Our experienced chiropractors are dedicated to helping you find relief from headaches by identifying and addressing their root causes. If you suspect your headaches may be related to neck issues, our team will begin with a comprehensive evaluation tailored to your needs.

We start by taking a detailed history of your headaches, including their frequency, location, and the types of activities or postures that make them better or worse. Our chiropractors will also discuss your posture, daily habits, and any history of neck or spinal injuries. This information helps us understand how your lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms.

During your physical examination, we will assess the range of motion in your neck, checking for stiffness, pain, or restricted movement. Our chiropractors use gentle palpation to examine the muscles and joints in your neck and upper back for areas of tenderness, tightness, or misalignment—common factors that can contribute to headache pain.

To ensure a thorough evaluation, our team may also perform neurological tests to check nerve function, reflexes, and sensation in your arms and hands. This allows us to determine if nerve irritation or compression in your neck could be linked to your headaches. When needed, we may also use orthopedic tests to help pinpoint the exact source of your pain or rule out other conditions.

If further investigation is required, Hudson Sport & Spine offers access to advanced imaging studies. These tools provide a detailed view of your neck’s bones and soft tissues, helping us identify any structural issues, such as degenerative changes or herniated discs, that might be contributing to your symptoms.

At Hudson Sport & Spine, your health and well-being are our top priorities. When you visit our practice for neck pain and headaches, our experienced chiropractors begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique condition.

The process starts with a detailed medical history. Dr. Todd Givens, DC will ask about the onset, duration, and characteristics of your pain, any previous injuries, daily habits, and associated symptoms. We also explore factors that may aggravate or relieve your discomfort to ensure we have a complete picture.

Next, we perform a thorough physical examination. Our chiropractor will assess your posture and neck and upper back range of motion and look for signs of muscle tension or asymmetry. Gentle palpation of the neck, shoulders, and spine helps identify areas of tenderness, muscle spasms, or joint restrictions. Neurological tests may also be included to evaluate reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in your arms and hands, ensuring there’s no nerve involvement contributing to your symptoms.

Depending on your individual case, we may also conduct orthopedic tests to check the integrity of joints and soft tissues or observe how certain movements influence your symptoms. If your assessment suggests a more serious underlying issue or if further clarification is needed, our team can coordinate advanced imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, before initiating treatment.

Once we have gathered all relevant information, your chiropractor will review their findings with you and explain the likely causes of your neck pain and headaches. We believe in personalized care. Your custom treatment plan may include gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, tailored exercise recommendations, and advice on posture or workplace ergonomics.

Throughout your assessment and care, the Hudson Sport & Spine team is committed to making sure you fully understand your condition and our recommended approach. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief and support your overall health and wellness. For more information, contact us today or schedule an online appointment. We are conveniently located at 70 Hudson St Suite 2B, Hoboken, NJ 07030. We serve patients from Hoboken NJ, Jersey City NJ, Weehawken NJ, West New York NJ, Guttenberg NJ, Secaucus NJ, Harrison NJ, Kearny NJ, Newark NJ, Belleville NJ, North Bergen NJ and Lyndhurst NJ.