Neck-Related Headache Treatment in Hull
Some headaches start in the neck. If yours begin at the base of your skull, come with a stiff neck, or get worse with certain postures, the neck may be part of the problem — and that part can often be treated.
When a headache comes from the neck
Headaches have many causes, and most are not neck-related. But a specific type, called a cervicogenic headache, is caused by problems in the joints and muscles of the upper neck. Tension-type headaches can also be made worse by tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Signs your headache may involve your neck:
- It starts at the back of the head or base of the skull and spreads forward
- It is usually on one side and doesn’t switch sides
- It comes with neck stiffness or reduced movement
- It is brought on by certain neck positions or long periods at a screen
- Pressing on the upper neck reproduces the headache
- It started or got worse after a neck injury or whiplash
What treatment involves
Is it really your neck?
The first job is to work out whether your neck is involved at all. Dr Gosselin takes a detailed headache history, examines your neck and upper back, and checks for features that suggest another cause. If your symptoms point elsewhere, we’ll advise you to see your GP.
Explaining what we find
You’ll get a clear explanation of what is likely to be driving your headaches and whether treatment here is likely to help.
Treatment for neck-related headaches
When appropriate and safe, treatment may include gentle mobilisation of the upper neck, soft-tissue work for tight muscles, and specific exercises for the deep neck muscles. Research supports manual therapy and exercise for cervicogenic headache.
Reducing triggers
We’ll look at your posture, screen set-up and sleep, and give you practical steps to reduce how often headaches start.
Ergonomic advice
Posture and workstation set-up are common headache triggers. Dr Gosselin will give you ergonomic advice on screen height, glare and lighting, chair and desk position, regular breaks from the screen, and pillow and sleeping position, to reduce strain on the upper neck.
Three visits.
That’s all it should take to know if your treatment is actually working. Research suggests that if treatment is working, most people see real change within the first few visits. Not thirty visits. Three.
No change? That’s not a reason to keep going — it’s time to reassess, investigate further, or try a different approach.
Good care isn’t measured in appointments booked. It’s measured in results — and you’ll know by visit three.
Top 3 Reasons You’re Waking Up With Neck Pain
Common, fixable causes of morning neck pain.
Neck stiffness on waking is a common headache trigger. In the podcast, Dr Gosselin also discusses headaches, dizziness and pillows.
Listen: Demystifying Neck Pain and Whiplash
What our Hull patients say
“Dr Gosselin listened well and was very good at explaining my condition”
— Steven G.“Thank you for taking the time to explain everything fully to me”
— Roger B.“So refreshing to have someone listen to me properly”
— Gillie P.Headaches: your questions answered
Can you treat migraines?
Migraine is a neurological condition and should be managed with your GP. Some people with migraine also have neck-related headaches, and we can assess whether the neck is contributing.
How do I know if my headache is from my neck?
Clues include a headache that starts at the base of the skull, is one-sided, and comes with neck stiffness. Your assessment will confirm whether the neck is involved.
Is treatment safe?
We screen every patient carefully before treatment. If anything suggests a more serious cause, we’ll refer you on rather than treat.
How quickly will I know if it’s helping?
Within three visits. If your headaches haven’t changed by then, we’ll reassess or suggest a different route.
Related reading
Book a headache assessment in Hull
Book online in under two minutes, or call and our receptionist will find a time that suits you.