It rarely fails. You feel pain in your neck, and after a while, you also develop a headache in the back of your head. It’s not a coincidence that these two issues occur together. In fact, both are common issues. 

Researchers estimate that about 50% of people experience headaches in any given year. Neck pain is even more common, and studies have shown that about 80% of people have neck pain every year. Physical therapists can help you understand the connection between neck pain and headaches in the back of your head. In turn, this can lead to more effective treatment plans for these issues. 

How are neck pain and headaches connected? 

There are several reasons that neck pain and headaches in the back of the head are connected. The head and neck are connected by a nerve structure called the cervical plexus. This consists of eight nerves that branch off the spinal cord into the head and neck. Pain from your neck can radiate along these nerves, and it can cause you to feel like you have a headache. 

The neck and the back of the head are also connected by muscles. The muscles in question are called the suboccipital muscles. Tightness or damage to any of these muscles can cause both neck pain and headaches. 

What issues can lead to neck pain and headaches?

There are many issues that can affect the cervical plexus or suboccipital muscles. In turn, such issues can lead to neck pain and headaches in the back of your head. Some of the issues that can do so include: 

• Forward head posture
• Whiplash
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Strained muscles
• Head trauma

Rehab Access can help treat neck pain and headaches

Need help treating neck pain and headaches? Our team at Rehab Access is primed to assist you. Our services can be used without a referral from a doctor, and they include options like: 

• Complimentary screenings
• In-clinic therapy appointments
• Virtual care sessions
• At-home therapy appointments

Don’t wait to start getting our help with your neck pain and headaches. Contact our team today for more information about how we can help or to schedule an initial appointment.