Some headaches start in the neck. They build from a stiff, sore neck, usually sit on one side, creep up over the back of the head towards the eye, and get worse after a long day at a desk or a long drive. If that sounds like yours, there’s a reasonable chance your neck is part of the picture, and that part is something we can assess and treat.
Does this sound familiar?
- A headache that starts in the neck or at the base of the skull and spreads forwards
- Usually on one side, and often the same side each time
- Brought on by certain neck positions, sitting for long spells or sleeping awkwardly
- A stiff neck, or less movement turning your head one way
- Pressing on the top of your neck brings on the familiar headache
- Tension in the shoulders and upper back that comes with it
What's usually going on
A cervicogenic headache is pain felt in the head that’s coming from the joints, muscles or nerves at the top of the neck. The upper neck shares nerve pathways with the head, so a problem there can be felt as a headache.
Not every headache comes from the neck. Tension-type headaches and migraine are more common, and they can overlap with neck pain, which is why the history matters so much. Part of your assessment is working out how much of your headache is coming from your neck, and being honest with you if the answer is not much.
If you’re taking painkillers for headaches on more than about 10 to 15 days a month, the painkillers themselves can keep headaches going. It’s worth talking to your GP or pharmacist about that.
What can help
- Hands-on treatment for the upper neck, such as mobilisation, soft tissue work and, if it suits you, manipulation. Manipulation is always explained first and is always optional.
- Exercises to improve neck movement and the strength and endurance of the deep neck muscles. Combined with hands-on treatment, this is the approach with the most research behind it for headaches coming from the neck.
- Practical changes to how you sit, work, drive and sleep, based on what actually sets yours off rather than a list of rules about posture.
- Dry needling or acupuncture for tight, sore muscles, where it helps.
If your headaches sound more like tension-type headache or migraine, your GP is the right place to start. NICE guidance says a course of acupuncture can be considered for chronic tension-type headache, and our physiotherapists offer medical acupuncture.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. We’ll take a detailed headache history: where it starts, how often it comes, how long it lasts, what brings it on, what you take for it and anything that worries you about it. Then we’ll examine your neck, upper back and shoulders, and check your nerves where needed. It helps to keep a simple headache diary for a week or two beforehand.
If your headaches don’t sound like they’re coming from your neck, we’ll tell you and suggest seeing your GP. If they do, treatment can start in the same session, and we’ll agree how we’ll judge whether it’s working, usually by how often your headaches come and how bad they are.
When to get urgent help
Most headaches aren’t serious, but some need medical attention straight away. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have:
- A sudden, severe headache that’s the worst you’ve ever had, or reaches its peak within minutes
- A headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, confusion or loss of vision
- A headache with a high temperature, a stiff neck or a rash, or one that follows a head injury
See your GP urgently if you have:
- A new headache after the age of 50, especially with jaw pain when chewing or a tender scalp
- Headaches that are getting steadily worse, wake you from sleep, or are worse when you cough or strain
- A new or different headache during pregnancy or after giving birth
- A new headache and a history of cancer or a weakened immune system
Who you'll see
Headaches coming from the neck are treated here by our chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists. Joe Lancaster is a chiropractor with a first class master’s degree from AECC University College and a particular interest in soft tissue work and exercise rehabilitation. Annabelle Frost is a registered osteopath who also uses dry needling and medical acupuncture.
Joe Lancaster
Chiropractor
Joe is an experienced chiropractor who graduated with a 1st class Master of Chiropractic degree.
He treats all areas of the body, with a particular interest in neck, back, and shoulder-related issues.
Joe’s approach extends beyond treating surface-level pain. He focuses on addressing the root cause of injuries, helping patients move better, recover fully, and manage their pain in the long-term.
His treatments combine hands-on techniques with expert rehabilitation to support lasting results and optimise long-term function.
Joe is registered with the General Chiropractic Council and is a member of both the Royal College of Chiropractic and the British Chiropractic Association.
Insurers Joe Works With
Annabelle Frost
Osteopath
Annabelle graduated from the International College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Master of Osteopathy degree and First Class Honours. She is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-informed care and regularly develops her skills through further training. Her additional qualifications in dry needling/medical acupuncture, therapeutic ultrasound and myofascial release allow her to draw on a range of techniques, tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs and goals.
As a keen athlete and former osteopathy patient, Annabelle understands how pain and injury can affect everyday life. Her own experience of treatment inspired her to become an osteopath and help others return to the activities they enjoy through movement and manual therapy.
Annabelle recently completed a season providing pitchside first aid and physiotherapy support for Ditchling RFC, gaining valuable experience in assessing and managing acute sports injuries. This complements her clinical experience working with patients of different ages and abilities, with a wide range of conditions.
Warm and approachable, Annabelle takes time to listen, explain her findings and involve patients in decisions about their care. She aims to help every patient feel informed, supported and confident throughout their treatment.
Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing persistent pain or looking to stay active, Annabelle offers personalised care to help improve movement, ease discomfort and support long-term wellbeing.
Prices and insurance
- Initial assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
The price is the same whether you see a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist. No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Many of our clinicians are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we’re often asked about headaches that come from the neck.
- Is neck manipulation safe?
-
Serious complications from neck manipulation are rare, and we screen for anything that would make it unsuitable before we suggest it. It’s one option among several, and you can choose not to have it. Mobilisation, soft tissue work and exercise are all alternatives.
- Can you help with migraines?
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Migraine should be diagnosed and managed by your GP first. Some people with migraine also have neck pain that’s worth treating in its own right, and we can assess that, but we won’t promise a change in your migraines.
- How many sessions will I need?
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It depends on how long you’ve had them and what’s driving them. We’ll agree early on how we’ll judge progress, and if your headaches aren’t changing, we’ll say so rather than carrying on regardless.
- Should I see my GP first?
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You don’t have to, and you can book with us directly. If you’ve never had your headaches checked, or they’ve changed recently, it’s sensible to see your GP as well, and we’ll suggest it if anything in your history points that way.
- Is my desk or phone causing it?
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Long spells in one position can contribute for some people, but there’s no single correct posture. Changing position often and building strength and endurance in the neck usually matter more than sitting perfectly upright.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If you think your headaches might be coming from your neck, we can assess it and tell you honestly. Book chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy online, or call us on 01444 817851.
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