Can neck problems really cause headaches?
Yes, in some cases. This is called cervicogenic headache, where a disorder of the upper cervical region can cause headache through interactions between cervical and trigeminal sensory pathways. Neck pain and other cervical symptoms are also common alongside migraine and tension-type headache, although this does not necessarily mean the neck is the cause.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Features that may suggest a cervical component include headache that starts around the base of the skull, is worsened by neck movement or sustained postures, remains predominantly on one side, and is accompanied by reduced neck range of motion. These features are not diagnostic on their own, and a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether the neck is contributing to your symptoms.
Can physiotherapy help with migraine?
Physiotherapy does not treat migraine in the same way it treats cervicogenic headache, but addressing relevant neck and musculoskeletal symptoms may be a useful part of a broader migraine management plan for some people, particularly when neck symptoms are prominent. This should be alongside, not instead of, your existing medical care.
Is jaw pain related to headaches?
It can be. Headache and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) commonly occur together, and the jaw and upper cervical region share overlapping sensory pathways. Jaw pain or muscle sensitivity may be relevant to head and facial pain in some people, although this does not necessarily mean that the jaw is the cause of the headache. See our guide on TMD and headaches for more detail.
Read more: TMJ Dysfunction: What Is It?
When should I see a doctor rather than a physiotherapist about my headache?
Seek urgent medical assessment for a sudden, severe headache, a headache following significant head trauma, or a headache accompanied by new neurological symptoms, fever with significant neck stiffness, confusion, or other concerning symptoms. A new, persistent or significantly changing headache pattern should also be medically assessed. Physiotherapy can be part of the management pathway, but it is not a substitute for appropriate medical assessment.
What does a headache physiotherapy assessment involve?
An assessment typically begins with a detailed headache history and safety screening to help classify the headache and identify whether medical referral is appropriate. Where relevant, the physical assessment may then include cervical range of motion, upper cervical function, neck muscle performance, jaw function and muscular tenderness. The aim is to determine whether, and how, musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can a headache be caused by more than one thing?
Yes. Headaches can involve more than one contributing factor, and different headache types can also occur together. For example, someone may experience migraine alongside neck pain or temporomandibular symptoms. Identifying the primary headache type and any relevant musculoskeletal contributors helps guide the most appropriate management.
For the full picture on headache types, the role of the neck, and what the evidence says about physiotherapy treatment, read Headaches: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Get in touch with us today to discuss your headaches and arrange a detailed musculoskeletal assessment.