Discover how neck tension and posture can trigger headaches and what you can do to relieve them, with advice from Summit Osteo & Performance Ringwood.
Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.
If you regularly experience headaches that start at the base of your skull or behind your eyes, your neck could be part of the problem.
Tension headaches are commonly linked to tight muscles, restricted joints, and poor posture — all of which place extra strain on the upper spine and surrounding tissues.
At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, we often see how neck dysfunction contributes to persistent headaches, especially for people who sit or work in static positions for long periods.
The upper part of your neck, known as the cervical spine, shares nerve pathways with structures around the head and face.
When these joints or muscles become tight or irritated, they can refer pain into the head, creating that familiar “band-like” or one-sided ache.
Common contributing factors include:
Prolonged desk or computer work
Forward head posture
Stress or jaw clenching
Poor sleep positions
A “cervicogenic” headache simply means a headache that originates from the neck.
Typical features include:
Pain that starts in the neck and radiates upward
Stiffness or restricted neck movement
Headache worsens after sitting or working for long periods
Temporary relief from massage or movement
If this sounds familiar, addressing the underlying neck issue can often reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
An osteopath can identify which structures in the neck are contributing to your symptoms and provide treatment to relieve tension and restore mobility.
This may include:
Gentle joint and soft-tissue techniques
Postural and ergonomic advice
Breathing and relaxation strategies
Individualised home exercises
The goal is not just to relieve your current headache but to reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups.
Between treatments, try incorporating these strategies:
Take regular breaks from screens and move your neck through its range
Keep your screen at eye level
Perform light neck stretches or chin tucks
Stay hydrated and manage daily stress
Small, consistent changes often make the biggest difference over time.
If your headaches are becoming more frequent, affecting your concentration, or accompanied by dizziness or vision changes, seek professional assessment.
Early intervention can prevent ongoing tension from turning into chronic pain.
Book an Appointment
or learn more on the Neck Pain Treatment in Ringwood page.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for assessment.
