Why Some Headaches Start in the Neck
Many people assume all headaches originate from stress, dehydration, or sinus pressure. However, some headaches are actually related to problems involving the neck, posture, muscles, and joint irritation. At Frankos Chiropractic in Smithfield, we commonly see patients throughout Cache Valley dealing with neck-related headaches associated with muscle tension, poor posture, and reduced mobility.
Dr Chad Frankos DC
5/21/2026
Why Some Headaches Start in the Neck
Many people assume all headaches originate from stress, dehydration, or sinus pressure. However, some headaches are actually related to problems involving the neck, posture, muscles, and joint irritation.
At Frankos Chiropractic in Smithfield, we commonly see patients throughout Cache Valley dealing with neck-related headaches associated with muscle tension, poor posture, and reduced mobility.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from structures in the neck.
This may involve:
cervical joints
tight muscles
irritated nerves
restricted mobility
posture strain
Pain is often referred from the neck into the head.
Common Symptoms
Patients with neck-related headaches often report:
pain starting at the base of the skull
tight upper traps
neck stiffness
headaches after desk work
pain behind the eyes
tension into the shoulders
headaches after prolonged phone use
reduced neck mobility
Some patients also wake up with headaches due to sleeping posture or nighttime muscle tension.
Poor Posture Is a Major Contributor
One of the biggest causes of chronic neck tension today is forward head posture.
Hours spent:
on phones
at computers
studying
driving
sitting at desks
can place increased stress on the muscles and joints of the neck.
Over time, this may contribute to:
chronic muscle guarding
upper trap tightness
scalene tightness
joint irritation
tension headaches
Tight Muscles & Trigger Points
Muscles commonly involved include:
upper trapezius
levator scapulae
scalenes
suboccipital muscles
Chronic tension in these muscles may refer pain into the:
head
temples
behind the eyes
base of the skull
Stress & Muscle Guarding
Stress often increases muscle tension patterns throughout the neck and shoulders.
Many patients unconsciously:
shrug their shoulders
clench muscles
tighten the jaw
maintain poor posture
for hours throughout the day.
How Chiropractic & Mobility Care May Help
Treatment is often focused on:
✔ improving neck mobility
✔ reducing muscle tension
✔ improving posture
✔ restoring joint movement
✔ reducing stress on irritated tissues
Depending on the patient, treatment may include:
chiropractic adjustments
soft tissue therapy
posture exercises
stretching programs
cupping
IASTM
mobility work
ergonomic recommendations
Small Daily Habits Matter
Patients may benefit from:
taking posture breaks
improving desk setup
limiting prolonged phone posture
strengthening upper back muscles
improving sleep posture
staying active throughout the day
Often, chronic headaches develop from repeated daily stress patterns rather than a single injury.
Headache & Neck Pain Treatment in Smithfield
At Frankos Chiropractic, we help patients throughout:
Smithfield
Logan
North Logan
Hyde Park
Richmond
Cache Valley
with neck tension, posture-related headaches, mobility restrictions, and chronic muscle tightness.
🚶 Walk-ins welcome
📍 Smithfield, Utah
👉 Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.