Headaches are often linked to the neck and upper back when tight muscles and irritated joints in this region refer pain into the head, usually around the base of the skull, temples, or behind the eyes. Long hours at a desk, stress, and poor posture can keep these muscles “switched on”, so the neck quietly fuels recurring headaches.
How the neck drives headaches
- Tight muscles in the neck and upper back, especially around the base of the skull, can compress or irritate local pain‑sensitive structures and refer pain upwards into the head.
- Stiff joints in the upper cervical spine (for example from prolonged screen time or looking down at a phone) can create a dull, pressure‑like ache that feels like a band or weight around the head.
Tension type vs other headaches
- Tension‑type headaches are often described as a tight band or dull pressure on both sides of the head, sometimes with neck and shoulder stiffness, but usually without significant nausea, visual changes, or strong sensitivity to light.
- Migraines more commonly cause throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side, and may come with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, or visual aura; cluster headaches are typically severe, one‑sided around the eye, and come in attacks.
When to seek medical advice
- Sudden, severe “worst ever” headache, a new headache after a head injury, or headache with confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, vision loss, or problems with balance are all reasons for urgent medical assessment.
- New or changing headaches in people over 50, headaches that are steadily worsening, or those accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weight loss, or jaw pain when chewing should also be discussed promptly with a doctor.
