With spring (hopefully) here, Chicagoans are enjoying more of what Chicago offers outside, including biking, walking/running along the lakefront path, and resuming outdoor sports ((in Lincoln Park).  Unfortunately, companies are beginning to transition to a more in-office approach asking employees to come in more days/week and sitting for long periods.  With the increased stress of this, headaches are one of the most common complaints people deal with—but many don’t realize is that all headaches do not start in the head.

In fact, a large number of headaches actually originate from the neck. These are known as cervicogenic headache and commonly result in tension headaches.  These are especially common in people who sit for long periods, commuting (via the Red/Brown line or bus), and/or spend hours on screens—something many Chicagoans relate to

So how do you know if your headache is coming from your neck?

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a lack of movement in the cervical spine (neck), resulting in more tension and stiffness in one’s joints and muscles inflaming the nerves supporting your head/neck.

Instead of the problem beginning in the brain, the pain is referred from the neck to the head.

Signs Your Headache Is Coming from Your Neck

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

1. Pain Starts in the Neck

If your headache begins as stiffness or discomfort in your neck and then travels upward, that’s a strong indicator.

2. One-Sided Pain

Neck-related headaches are often felt on one side of the head/temple/around the eye and may stay consistent on that side for several hours.

3. Pain with Movement or Posture

If your headache:

• Gets worse after long periods of sitting
• Is triggered by looking down at your phone or computer
• Increases when you turn your head
• Your headache begins in the afternoon and may build with intensity

…it’s likely tied to poor neck mechanics and muscle imbalance.

4. Limited Neck Mobility

Difficulty turning your head or feeling “stuck” in certain positions often accompanies these headaches.

5. Tenderness in Neck Muscles

Pressing on certain spots in your neck or upper shoulders may reproduce your this pains

Common Causes (Especially in Chicago Lifestyles)

Several everyday habits can contribute:

• 💻 Desk work and poor ergonomics
• 📱 Looking down at phones (tech neck)
• 🚇 Long commutes on the Chicago Transit Authority
• 🛌 Poor sleep posture
• Stress whether it comes from work and/or home
• 🏋️‍♂️ Muscle imbalances or previous injuries

Over time, these create stress on the cervical spine, leading to pain referral into the head.

What to Do if a Neck Headache Develops

1. Address the Root Cause (Not Just the Symptoms)

Pain relievers may help temporarily, but they don’t fix the underlying issue. If the problem is in your neck, it needs to be treated there.

2. Improve Your Posture

Small changes can make a big difference:

• Keep screens at eye level
• Avoid prolonged forward head posture
• Take breaks every 30–60 minutes

3. Targeted Mobility & Strength Work

Instead of just stretching, focus on:

• Deep neck flexor activation
• Upper back (thoracic) mobility
• Scapular stability exercises

4. Manual Therapy & Chiropractic Care

Hands-on treatment through Active Release Techniques to release the tight muscles can restore normal movement in the neck, improve movement, and reduce irritation.

Chiropractic care may include:

• Spinal adjustments
• Soft tissue work
• Postural correction strategies
• Corrective exercises to reduce strain in your neck/back and to strengthen your deep neck flexors

When to Get Evaluated

You should consider a Chiropractor if:

• Your headaches are frequent or worsening (more often)
• Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
• You notice consistent neck stiffness or pain
• Headaches interfere with your daily activities

The Bottom Line

If your headaches seem connected to posture, movement, or neck tension, there’s a good chance they’re coming from your cervical spine—not your head.

The good news? They’re often highly treatable when you address the root cause and address the pain quickly before they become debilitating, impacting your daily function and activities.

If you’re in Chicago and dealing with persistent headaches, identifying whether they’re neck-related is the first step toward lasting relief—not just temporary fixes.