Headaches and Neck Tension

Many people experience recurring headaches that feel like a dull ache behind the eyes, tension across the forehead, or a deep pressure at the base of the skull. If this sounds familiar and you're also dealing with a stiff or tight neck you might be experiencing a cervicogenic headache.

At Tugun osteopathy, we help people who suffer from headaches linked to neck dysfunction by addressing the root causes through gentle, hands-on care.

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine the upper part of the neck. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches are referred pain from irritated nerves, muscles, or joints in the neck.

They often stem from mechanical problems in the neck's soft tissue or joints, especially the upper three cervical vertebrae (C1–C3), which are closely connected to the nerves that supply sensation to the head and face.

Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches 

If your headaches are cervicogenic in origin, you may notice:

• Pain that starts at the base of the skull and spreads to the front of the head or around the eyes

• A one-sided headache (though it can switch sides)

• Reduced neck mobility or stiffness

• Pain triggered by specific neck movements or postures

• Muscle tightness in the upper traps, shoulders, or base of the skull

• Headaches that are worse after prolonged sitting, screen time, or stress

What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are often caused by:

• Poor posture (especially forward head posture from desk work or screen use)

• Muscle tension or trigger points in the neck, shoulders, or jaw

• Joint stiffness or misalignment in the cervical spine

• Whiplash injuries or past trauma

• Repetitive strain from sport, work, or daily habits

Even seemingly minor issues like sitting with your head slightly tilted or carrying a bag on one shoulder can build up tension and lead to neck-related headaches over time.

How Osteopathy Helps with Headaches and Neck Tension

Osteopathy offers a drug-free, hands-on approach to treating cervicogenic headaches by restoring healthy function to the muscles, joints, and nerves of the neck and upper back.

Here’s how we can help:

• Thorough Assessment

We take the time to understand your posture, daily habits, and movement patterns. We’ll assess your neck mobility, joint alignment, muscle tone, and nerve sensitivity to determine the true cause of your headaches.

•  Manual Therapy for Neck and Shoulders

Using gentle techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, myofascial therapy, and stretching, we relieve built-up tension in the neck, traps, and upper back.

•  Postural and Ergonomic Advice

 We provide personalised tips to improve your workstation, pillow setup, or sleeping position helping reduce strain on the neck in daily life.

•  Rehabilitation and Strengthening

We’ll guide you through targeted exercises to improve deep neck flexor strength, upper back mobility, and postural control to prevent future episodes.

Cervicogenic Headache vs. Tension Headache or Migraine

• Tension headaches often feel like a tight band around the head but aren’t always linked to neck movement.

• Migraines can cause nausea, visual changes, or light sensitivity, and are typically vascular in nature.

• Cervicogenic headaches are usually one-sided, aggravated by neck movements, and improve with manual therapy and posture correction.

 If you're unsure which type of headache you're experiencing, an osteopath can help differentiate and guide you towards the right treatment.

You should consider booking an appointment if you:

• Experience regular headaches alongside neck stiffness

• Spend long hours at a desk or on screens

• Have a history of whiplash, poor posture, or spinal tension

• Want a natural, hands-on treatment approach to manage and prevent headaches

Headaches that stem from the neck are more common than many realise and they’re very treatable. If you’re struggling with ongoing headaches and neck tension, osteopathy offers a safe and effective path to long-term relief.

At our clinic, we specialise in helping people uncover the root causes of their pain, improve movement, and regain quality of life without relying on painkillers or quick fixes.

Book an appointment today and let us help you take the pressure off your head and your neck.