Why Is My Neck Pain Giving Me Headaches?
What neck pain really feels like, why it happens, and how acupuncture may help.
Have you stopped reversing the car because turning your head hurts?
Do you find yourself turning your whole body instead of just your neck?
Does looking up to reach a high shelf make you feel dizzy?
Is turning to one side much more painful than the other?
Do you wake every morning with a stiff neck and hope that today will be different?
Have you had that annoying crick in your neck for so long that it’s starting to feel normal?
Or maybe the pain starts in your neck and gradually works its way into the back of your head, leaving you with a headache by the end of the day.
If you’re nodding your head while reading this, you’re not alone.
Neck pain isn’t just painful.
It can make you feel exhausted because you’re never truly comfortable.
It can make you irritable because every movement reminds you it’s there.
It can affect your sleep because you can’t find a comfortable position.
It can make work difficult because sitting at your desk or looking at a computer makes it worse.
And after weeks or months of putting up with it, many people start wondering…
“Is this just how my neck is going to be now?”
Struggling with neck pain or headaches?
or call 087 227 3084 for a friendly chat.
“I’ve tried everything…”
One of the things I hear most often is…
- “I’ve tried different pillows.”
- “I’ve been to get a massage.”
- “I’ve done the stretches I found online.”
- “I’ve been taking painkillers.”
- “Nothing seems to last.”
By the time many people walk into my clinic, they’re not just looking for pain relief.
They’re looking for someone who will actually listen to them and help them understand what’s going on.
Sometimes they arrive feeling frustrated.
Sometimes they’re fed up.
Sometimes they’re worried they’ll never get back to feeling like themselves again.
If that’s how you’re feeling, I want you to know you’re not alone.
A patient story
A lady recently came to see me with exactly these symptoms.
She had constant tension across her neck and shoulders, headaches that started at the base of her skull and spread upwards, and she had begun avoiding turning her head because it was simply too uncomfortable.
Driving had become difficult because looking over her shoulder caused pain.
She constantly rubbed her neck throughout the day, hoping it would ease.
After assessing her and treating the tight muscles and restricted movement in her neck and upper back, she noticed a significant improvement in both her neck movement and her headaches.
Every person responds differently, but seeing someone leave smiling because they can move more comfortably again is one of the reasons I love what I do.
Why can neck pain cause headaches?
Your neck is made up of muscles, joints, nerves and ligaments that all work together every time you move your head.
When these tissues become tight, irritated, or don’t move as well as they should, pain can sometimes spread into the back of your head, around your temples or behind your eyes.
Long hours at a computer, looking down at your phone, stress, poor posture, previous injuries, sleeping awkwardly, or everyday wear and tear can all contribute.
How may acupuncture help?
Many people choose acupuncture because they’re looking for a natural way to manage their neck pain and headaches.
Treatment is tailored to you and may help to:
- Ease muscle tension.
- Improve neck movement.
- Reduce stiffness.
- Help reduce the frequency or intensity of some headaches.
- Support your body’s natural healing processes.
No two people experience neck pain in exactly the same way, which is why every treatment plan is individual.
You don’t have to keep putting up with it
One sentence always stays with me.
“I thought this was just part of getting older.”
Pain may become more common as we get older.
That doesn’t mean it’s something you simply have to accept.
If your neck pain is affecting your sleep, your work, your driving, your mood, or simply stopping you from enjoying everyday life, let’s have a chat.
Together we’ll work out what’s contributing to your symptoms and whether acupuncture may be able to help.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Not sure whether acupuncture is the right choice for your neck pain?
Give me a call.
I’m always happy to have a chat, answer your questions, and help you decide whether acupuncture may be the right option for you.
📞 087 227 3084
or
A €20 booking deposit secures your appointment and is deducted from the cost of your treatment.
Health Insurance
I’m recognised by Vhi, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and other major Irish health insurers. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim back some or all of the cost of your treatment.
I’d love to help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my neck hurt more when I turn to one side?
It’s common for one side of the neck to become tighter or more restricted than the other. This can make turning in one direction more uncomfortable.
Why do I feel dizzy when I look up?
Some people experience dizziness when looking up or moving their neck. Because dizziness can have many possible causes, it’s important to have it properly assessed rather than assuming it’s coming from the neck alone.
Can neck pain really cause headaches?
Yes. Pain and tension from the muscles and joints of the neck can sometimes be felt in the back of the head, around the temples or behind the eyes.
When should I seek urgent medical advice?
Seek prompt medical assessment if your neck pain follows significant trauma or is associated with symptoms such as severe weakness, numbness, fever, confusion, changes in vision, or a sudden severe headache unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
About the Author
Lucy Townsley Lic. TCM is the founder of Galway Acupuncture Hub in Loughrea, Co. Galway.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Lucy has helped thousands of people with neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Her approach is simple: listen carefully, understand how pain is affecting your life, and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy. Read more…
You May Also Find These Helpful
- Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Stand Up, Bend Over or Walk Upstairs?
- What Causes Sciatica and Why Does the Pain Travel Down My Leg? (Coming Soon)
- Why Does My Shoulder Hurt at Night? (Coming Soon)
- Why Do I Wake Up With Back Pain? (Coming Soon)
Please note: This article is for general educational purposes and should not replace advice from your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
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