HEADACHE AND
NECK TENSION
Headache arising from tension in the neck and shoulders is very common, especially with sedentary work. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we establish whether the headache comes from the cervical spine and muscles, and treat it manually.
Not all headaches come from the neck, but cervicogenic and tension headaches are among the most common. They arise from tension in the muscles at the base of the skull, shoulders, or from restricted mobility of the upper cervical vertebrae. The pain often starts at the back of the head and spreads to the forehead or behind the eyes.
Why neck tension causes headache
Common factors are:
- 🔹 Prolonged sitting with the head bent forward (computer or phone work)
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles of the back of the head, neck and shoulders due to stress
- 🔹 Restricted mobility of the upper cervical vertebrae
- 🔹 An unsuitable sleeping position or an unsuitable pillow
- 🔹 Previous neck injuries, for example after a traffic accident
How a neck-related headache presents
Typical signs are:
- 🔹 Dull pain that starts at the back of the head and spreads towards the forehead
- 🔹 A feeling of pressure or a band around the head
- 🔹 Pain on one side of the head linked to neck movement
- 🔹 A stiff neck and restricted turning of the head
- 🔹 Worsening after long work in front of a screen
- 🔹 Tender muscles when pressing on the back of the head and shoulders
How we treat headache and neck tension
Treatment is aimed at reducing tension, improving mobility of the cervical spine and removing the patterns that trigger the headache.
1. Assessment of condition
Examination of the cervical spine, shoulders, and identifying whether the headache is of neck origin.
2. Manual therapy
Release of the muscles at the back of the head and neck and improved mobility of the upper vertebrae.
3. Guidance and ergonomics
Neck exercises, adjusting the workstation and sleeping recommendations.
Headache and neck tension we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Headache at the back of the head and forehead with a tense neck
- 🔹 Headache after computer work
- 🔹 Pain spreading from the neck towards the head
- 🔹 A stiff neck and limited head rotation
- 🔹 Tension in the shoulders
- 🔹 Recurring tension headaches
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek medical help immediately if a sudden, worst-ever headache occurs, if it is accompanied by fever, a stiff neck with a rash, vision or speech disturbances, weakness of the limbs or confusion, or if it appears after a head injury. These signs require an urgent medical assessment.
With frequent or changing headaches, it makes sense to first rule out other causes with a doctor. Manual therapy is suitable for headaches in which a musculoskeletal factor is present.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about headache and neck tension
How do I know the headache comes from the neck?
Common signs are pain at the back of the head that worsens with neck movement or prolonged posture, and tender muscles on examination. A clinical examination gives a reliable assessment.
Can a headache be a result of sedentary work?
Yes. A prolonged slouched posture increases tension in the neck muscles and is a common cause of tension headaches.
Does manual therapy help with migraine?
Migraine is not primarily a neck problem. Neck treatment can ease accompanying tension, but it does not replace medical treatment of migraine.
When is urgent help needed?
With a sudden severe headache, neurological deficits, fever or after a head injury; also if the headache changes or becomes more intense.
Does a special pillow help?
A suitable height and shape of pillow can reduce neck tension, but it is not a substitute for treating the cause.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on how long the problem has lasted; improvement is often noticed after a few visits, while chronic headaches require a longer programme.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.