08/10/2026
🤕 Your Headache May Actually Start in Your Neck & Upper Back
Not all headaches begin in the head. In many cases, tight, irritated, or overworked muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to headache pain.
Long hours at a computer, looking down at a phone, stress, poor posture, or repetitive activities can cause muscles at the base of the skull and throughout the neck and upper back to become tense and fatigued.
This tension may contribute to:
• Pain or pressure at the base of the skull
• Headaches that travel toward the temples or forehead
• Tightness across the shoulders and upper back
• Neck stiffness and reduced movement
• Headaches that worsen after prolonged sitting or computer work
The joints of the neck can also play a role. When cervical joints aren't moving properly, surrounding muscles may tighten and become irritated, potentially contributing to cervicogenic or tension-type headache symptoms.
Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mobility, reducing mechanical stress, and addressing muscle tension throughout the neck and upper back.
If headaches keep coming back, it may be worth looking beyond your head — and taking a closer look at your neck and upper back.
